Rangers stalwart’s new honour

WILLING WORKER . . . Peter Townsend shows off his salver after being named NCL secretary of the year.

Peter Townsend of Saddleworth Rangers has been named secretary of the year by the National Conference League.

Rangers chairman Shane Wilson and treasurer Karen Thompson picked up the honour on Townsend’s behalf as he was unable to attend.

“It was a complete surprise and I am really chuffed — I had no inkling at all,” said the 64-year-old winner afterwards. “It is good that the league acknowledges the work that goes on off the pitch as well as on it.”

Townsend, who became Rangers secretary in 2008, praised the people who help clubs to run smoothly.

The award is the latest to come the way of the borough’s rugby league fraternity.

At the BARLA presentation evening Rangers won the “best club” trophy and Higginshaw’s John Mellor was named “unsung hero”. Mellor also topped the same category at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards.