BARNOLDSWICK Town's evergreen physio Syd Parkinson has received an MBE at the age of 91 for his services to grass-roots football.

Syd, who was born in Barnoldswick but has lived in Colne for many years, was named in the Queen's new year's honours list following his involvement in local football which stretches back 75 years.

Having served in the RAF during the Second World War, he joined Rolls Royce in Barlick as a fitter and was soon asked to take charge of the works football team. He pursuaded a number of Burnley Football Club players to help train the team which went unbeaten for several seasons.

As well as helping to run the Rolls Royce team in the Craven League, he was the physio at Colne Dynamoes during their rapid rise through the pyramid leagues in the 1980s, which included a triumphant trip to Wembley when the club won the FA Vase in 1988.

Alongside Ken Drake, Syd was also the trainer for Craven Minors the last time they won the West Riding FA Minor Cup in 1969 when they beat Halifax 4-1 at Bradford City.