Decades of selfless dedication to the people of Bradford was recognised when rugby league legend and charity worker Trevor Foster became the first to be awarded a new civic award.

Mr Foster, 84, was last night expecting to enjoy a meal with his family and had no idea he was to receive the award.

But he found himself whisked off for a civic dinner at Bradford City Hall where the former Bradford Northern and Great Britain international was presented with the first Lord Mayor of Bradford's Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding 60 years of service to the city.

Mr Foster was greeted by 100 guests including his family, charity workers and representatives from Bradford Bulls, as well as guest speaker BBC TV's Harry Gration and entertainment from the Steeton Male Voice Choir.

He was presented with an engraved medallion bearing the Bradford coat of arms and a portrait of himself.

Mr Foster said he was overwhelmed to receive the plaudits and had no idea about the surprise. "I thought I was going with my family to a local hotel - it's absolutely amazing that I should be received in this great City Hall with all these wonderful people from so many walks of life," he said.

"I'm very, very proud to be the first person honoured. It's out of this world. The warmth shown me by the people of Bradford from the very first day has been outstanding - I am treated like royalty."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Tony Miller, said he was proud to present the award. "He has devoted 60 years to the city of Bradford and there is none more deserving of this honour. There doesn't seem to be a charity in Bradford he does not work for - if anyone is raising money, Trevor is there."

Mr Gration said Mr Foster deserved every accolade possible for his work for Bradford and rugby league. No-one was ever again likely to give more than 60 years service with such distinction to a club.

"This is a wonderful tribute and a nice thing for the city to do, to turn round to say 'Thank you, one of our favourite sons, for what you have done'."

When he hung up his boots after 433 appearances for Bradford Northern and three Great Britain caps, Mr Foster worked for Bradford Council as an education welfare officer. He has remained involved in the rugby club, playing a key role in saving it from closure and is still the official time-keeper for all first team matches.

He has been actively involved in countless charities including the Catholic Housing Aid Society, Bradford Police Young People's Club, the Friends of Bradford Royal Infirmary and the T&A-backed Bradford Millennium Scanner Appeal.

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