WESTFIELDS founding member and leading light Andy Morris has been rewarded for 40 years of dedication to his club with an FA Merit Award.

Morris travelled to FA headquarters in London's Soho Square for the presentation which was part of the Non-League Club Directory awards.

"It was an honour to receive the award, especially as it was at the FA headquarters in Soho Square where I could meet officials with whom I have corresponded as secretary of Westfields," said Morris.

"It was also a pleasure that I could take a guest and club chairman John Morgan who has worked so hard with me at Westfields, was also delighted to attend the ceremony and see the trophy room and media centre where the event was held.

"Forty years is a long time with one club but Westfields has been a big part of my life as a player, secretary, manager and chief executive. I have enjoyed the challenge in fulfilling the dream of getting where we are today with our own ground."

Morris founded the club in 1966 and has seen them rise through the pyramid to the Midland Alliance, establishing their own ground at allpay.park and running 10 teams every week.

He added: "There are so many people who have helped me over the years who, like me, do the job for the love of the game and to help others enjoy football. But it is very nice to be recognised and I do thank the FA Non-League Directory for nominating me and presenting me with this lovely award."