OSWALDTWISTLE St Mary's Football Club have been awarded the coveted FA Charter Standard Club Award.

The Saints are only the fourth East Lancashire club to achieve the award following in the footsteps of Great Harwood Rovers, Lammack FC and Clitheroe Wolves. The club has worked closely with the Lancashire Football Association over the past 12 months.

As a result, the club has written up a constitution, a set of rules to be abided by players, parents and coaches and adopted a Child Protection Policy.

Club secretary Kevin Gibson, who has over seen the project, said: "The club is very proud to have achieved the FA Charter Standard Award. We have worked very hard over the past 12 months but it has been worth it as it will help push the club in the right direction."

Over the last year, three managers have achieved the Level One coaching qualification while Sam Griffin is heading up the club's recently formed junior academy.

The Saints currently has two senior teams and last season's under eights will be joined by youngsters at under sevens and under nines age groups for the forthcoming campaign. The aim for the future is to establish teams from under sevens to seniors and ultimately find its own pitch. The club is now hoping to work towards the FA Charter Standard Development Award.

Kevin said: "Achieving the award means we can now apply for Football Foundation funding. We are now aiming to develop the club and that is why we are aiming for the next level. We have a development policy in place and that also includes introducing a girls team."

However, the club's news was tinged with sadness following the sudden death of chairman Derek Mason.

Kevin added: "Derek was instrumental in reforming the club in 1972. His death was a shock to everyone and he will be sadly missed. I am only pleased that he knew we achieved the FA Standard because the development of the club was very important to him."