A VETERAN referee has clocked up his 50th season as an official – and has no plans to quit just yet.

Harry Warburton, 78, was presented with a long service award by the Football Association last year.

The former welder and mechanic said this season was ‘very pleasing’, and vowed to register again after the summer break.

Mr Warburton, of Patrick Crescent, Higher Cloughfold, intended to retire in 2010, but was persuaded not to hang up his whistle by the Burnley Referees’ Association.

He keeps records of every game, and believes he has taken charge of close to 3,700 fixtures in leagues throughout East Lancashire.

Mr Warburton, originally from Haslingden, said: “I’ve completed my appointments for this season and I’m very pleased with how it went.

“I’ll be 79 in June, but I intend to register again next season, and I’ll be available for as long as they let me be.

“I’m looking for more games as I’ve only done 15 this season. A lot of those I was appointed to got cancelled because of the weather, otherwise I’d have done a few more.”

Mr Warburton takes charge of games in Accrington and District Junior Football League and Burnley and District Sunday Football League.

He took up refereeing in 1963 and was a member of Rossendale Referees’ Association, where he was secretary, until it folded, and he joined the Burnley group in 2005.Jeff Sumner, treasurer of the Burnley and District Sunday Football Leag-ue, said: “Harry is a most dedicated referee, and such a nice guy.

“Anywhere in East Lancashire where there’s a game, Harry will go.

“He’s well-liked by the players, and a stickler for the rules.

“He’s always firm, but fair.

“I’ve got to know him well in the last 40 years and he’s a great ambassador for referees, and for the league.

“We’re proud to have him, and long may he reign.”