FOR a third successive season Devizes-based Neil Fautley picked up the top senior referee award.

The 49 year old whistle blower, who has been officiating for more than 20 years , joined Colin Ford 1976-1979 and five-time victor Bob Pocock (2003-2005) as a winner three years in succession.

Fautley, who plans to hang up his whistle at 50, is a managing director of a flooring company and also holds roles at Devizes Town FC. Chippenham-based Niall Burtt walked away with top junior referee award.

The 17-year-old, in his third season, also officiates in other leagues, including the Toolstation League as an assistant referee.

The Hardenhuish School sixth former, who studies maths, physics and chemistry, also oversaw a youth cup final at the County Ground last season and at the Premier League U14 tournament, an event held in the London Soccerdome, one of only a handful of referees across the country to be selected.

The top club assistant referee’s award went to the club with the top marks rather than the individual, fourth division Corsham Centre picking up their divisional and overall award.

League’s Referees’ Appointment Secretary Gary Stonham and S.K.Fruits Ltd’s Stuart Brown presented the awards.

Top club assistant referees

Premier Division: AFC Melksham.

Division One: Kings Arms (All Cannings) FC.

Division Two: Fortune Inn FC.

Division Three: Worton & Cheverell (Sunday).

Division Four: Corsham Centre Youth.

Overall winner: Corsham Centre Youth.