BILL Markham admitted he was overwhelmed by winning the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2013 – and the reaction he got afterwards.

The Blackburn Combination secretary ranked it as one of his greatest achievements in his 40 years involved in football.

Bill said it was a very special evening – not just to win but to be among others who had done so much it local sport.

But it was the reaction he got afterwards that made it all sink in.

“When people heard I had won, I was inundated with text messages, emails and phone calls congratulating me.

“I didn’t go to the awards thinking I would win and especially after they read out what others had achieved.

“But it was great to be involved in such an event, they really capture the community spirit and it was a very special moment to win.

“You don’t do these things to win awards, you do it for the love of the sport.

“But to get recognition like this is very special. It was a great honour.

“I think the awards are a wonderful idea. Not only does it bring people from other sports together, it rewards them for their achievements.”