LOCAL dignitaries assembled at Pool-in-Wharfedale last weekend for the village's Honorary Citizen service.

Peter Wilkinson's decades of work with Pool AFC and other sports and community groups was recognised at the Methodist Church on Sunday, October 5.

Mr Wilkinson was presented with the Honorary Citizen shield, which he was nominated for by the public, by MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) and Pool Parish Council chairman Councillor Hazel Lee.

Councillors from Pool, Otley, Bramhope and Horsforth also joined Mr Wilkinson's family and friends for the ceremony.

Coun Lee said: "This special honour is voted upon by the people of Pool and Old Pool Bank and Peter Wilkinson is a worthy recipient as a coach and youth worker of many years.

"Due to his devotion and hard work Pool has a good number of exciting football clubs, starting with the Under 7s and going right up to the top adult teams.

"New changing rooms and well cared for pitches are the result of his untiring devotion to sport."

Mr Wilkinson dedicated the award to his father, who he said had started his family's long tradition of service to sport.