PETER Hughes has received the ultimate accolade for a sporting volunteer after he was presented with the Torch Trophy Trust Award by the Duke of Kent.

The Burnley Rugby Club stalwart and former international referee picked up the coveted award at a glitzy ceremony in London.

"It was a fabulous evening," said Hughes, also a Manchester Referees' Society and RFU committee stalwart, who was joined at the function by his wife Sue and daughter Liz: "We all had a fantastic evening with 20 volunteers from 15 different sports receiving a certificate and lovely statuette from The Duke. It is in the form of the Olympic Torch and stands on an inscribed plinth.

"The atmosphere at the post-presentation reception was very relaxed with the famous trustees all mingling with the volunteers. I had a chance to chat with Bobby Charlton, who is the President of the Torch Trophy Trust, Christine Truman/Janes, who read out the citations, and the former England cricket captain Mike Denness. It was also good to catch up with Lancastrian Roger Uttley, who is the current Chairman of the Trust."

TURN TO PAGE 17>> FROM PAGE XX The 70-year-old retired dentist, who was president of the Lancashire RFU in the 1996/97 season was an ideal candidate for the award, which will be presented to him at the Army and Navy Club.

But when he learnt he was to receive the award his first reaction was why me?'.

"My first reaction on receiving the news was simply Why me?'" admitted Hughes. "Because I know so many people in different areas of our game who are working so hard on a voluntary basis, "It's obviously a great honour, but it also makes you feel humble when there are so many people who deserve recognition for their efforts.

"It's also important to appreciate how much fun and satisfaction being involved has given me and how many wonderful friendships I have made in the process.

"I am very flattered but it is not just for me it is for Burnley Rugby Club as well. And if it raises the profile of the club then that can only be a good thing."

When the Torch Trophy Trust was founded in 1962 by Commander Bill Collins, organiser of the Olympic Torch Relay when the games were held in London in 1948, the concept was to recognise individuals who have given exceptional voluntary service to their sport.

Twenty awards are presented each year, with governing bodies being invited to nominate people who they feel are qualified for this singular honour.

Hughes is a former player with Oldham and captain of Kersal, a stalwart of Calder Vale - now Burnley RFC - for 44 years, a former international referee and ex-President of the Manchester Society of Referees and a long-serving member of the England Rugby Football Schools Union.

He has devoted countless hours in the service of Rugby Union at all levels - the Torch Trophy Trust Award was richly deserved recognition.