ABINGDON United stalwart John Blackmore was rewarded for his contribution to football with a special honour, writes Mark Edwards.

The 63-year-old was handed a Meritorious Award by the Berks & Bucks FA for his services to grassroots football.

Blackmore, who has been involved with the club for 27 years, continues to make steady progress from a serious accident in December when he fell off a ladder and broke his back.

The grandfather-of-five had an operation to pin his back and had to wear a back brace for a number of months.

“I am much better than I was,” he said.

“The operation to mend the spine went well and although I have metal rods in my back, it doesn’t stop me doing things.

“It hinders me sometimes, but doesn’t stop me.”

Blackmore was delighted to win the award.

“I’ve been there 27 years now, starting as player-manager, then manager, and now I am the secretary and groundsman,” he said.

“I was honoured to get the award, of course.

“You do these things for years and years and to get recognition is nice.”

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