DALTON United chairman Graham Bickerstaff has praised award-winning club volunteer Alan Callison.

Alan scooped the Special Award for Services to Club prize at the West Lancashire League presentation night on Saturday, June 3.

This award recognised Alan's 25 years of dedication to the club.

Speaking after Alan had won the award, Dalton United chairman Graham Bickerstaff praised the long-time volunteer and detailed his wide ranging service to the club.

He said "Alan joined us in 1998 to watch his son Ian play.

After a while, he was approached to help out on match days organising the kit, doing team sheets, cleaning the changing rooms etc.

"In 2001, Alan joined the committee, then became vice chairman, and soon after; he was voted in as Chairman of the club.

"He took this role very seriously and was honoured to be chairman for 15 years.

"After stepping down as Chairman, he remained on the committee and is now looking after our pitch and facilities.

"He has been our main groundsman for a number of years and spends a lot of his own time making sure the pitch is ready for match days.

"He’s developed Railway Meadow into one of the best pitches in the area.

"He also helps with other jobs as and when needed. 

"It is thoroughly, deserved.

"I’m really pleased for him.

"The amount of his own time he gives up for the club is fantastic, rain or shine he will be on the pitch either devoting, cutting, or marking.

"During the off-season, he coordinates verti draining, seeding, and weed spraying.

"It’s a full-time job he does voluntarily and has done for years.

"I hope he’s around for a long time as well."