FOR he's a jolly good fellow! And that is what Radcliffe Athletic Club think about their chairman Tom West.

On Monday night (Aug 19) Tom got the surprise of his life when he turned up at Coney Green Sports Centre for his weekly run and found a presentation to him had been organised.

The club had nominated Tom for a Radcliffe Sports Council award and he received a special plaque for his contribution to the club and his sport.

Tom (62), a keen road and fell runner, has been connected with the club since its formation in 1984 and has been chairman for most of those years. The presentation was made by club member Iain Harris, who is a representative on the sports council.

Tom's wife, Joan, received a bunch of flowers from club members. Joan has always supported Tom in his club work and his running.

Receiving the plaque, Tom praised members and said he owed the club's success to a good team helping him.

This year the sports council has asked sporting clubs and organisations to make nominations for the awards and plans to present them at the clubs' venues instead of an annual awards presentation.