Burnley rugby stalwart received British Empire Medal for services to the sport (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley rugby stalwart received British Empire Medal for services to the sport

3:33pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Sport

RUGBY stalwart Peter Hughes has been honoured in the highest fashion for his dedication and commitment to the game.

The Burnley Rugby Club official, a former international referee, received the British Empire Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Hughes received the award at a prestigious honours ceremony in the historic surroundings of Lancaster Castle where the investiture was carried out by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth KVCO in the Shire Hall.

Hughes said: “I am honoured to receive this award which could just have easily have been given to thousands of hard-working volunteers who contribute so much to the wonderful game of Rugby Union in our very special county of Lancashire.”

Hughes was one of six recipients in the county to be honoured the BEM.

As well as is long-standing association with Burnley RUFC, Hughes has served the RFU, Lancashire County RFU and Manchester and District Rugby Union Referees Society with distinction. He was accompanied by friends and family including his wife Susan as well as Malcolm Phillips, a past president RFU; Tim Stirk, president, England Schools RFU and Tony Carroll, Burnley RUFC and Manchester and District Referees’ Society. Bill Beaumont, Chairman, Rugby Football Union was also there as a recently appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire.

He added: “It was a very special day made all the better with so many friends being present. “I am proud to have served the Rugby Football Union, Lancashire County Rugby Football Union, Manchester and District Rugby Union Referees’ Society and Burnley Rugby Union Football Club and hope that I can continue to do so for many years to come.” Hughes was born in Newton-le-Willows and raised in Bolton before moving to Burnley in 1963 where he coming a member of Calder Vale RUFC, now renamed Burnley RUFC.

He has been a committee member ever since and served the club as fixture secretary and president.

He played for both Oldham and Kersal but became an international referee in 1977 when he officiated four internationale.

He was also a member of the invitational Anti Assassins and toured both Kenya and Canada as referee.

He added: “I have many happy memories through rugby and this award is a wonderful honour.

“If it helps raise the profile of Burnley Rugby Club I will be delighted.