THE mayor of Holsworthy found himself given a pleasant surprise after attending an awards presentation evening at the town’s local football club.

Cllr Jon Hutchings had been invited to the traditional end of season presentation evening where he was asked to present the trophies to each of the team in celebration of the achievements of those representing the town’s football team.

However, what Cllr Hutchings was not expecting was to be presented with a trophy himself by the club in recognition of the work he had done to assist them.

The honour comes off the back of a year where the mayor and the town’s football club worked closely together on a variety of events for the local community, while the mayor’s fundraising efforts for both Holsworthy AFC and Holsworthy Museum as his nominated charities for 2025 to 2026 saw over £9,000 shared between them.

It is due to this that Holsworthy AFC presented Cllr Hutchings with the Eveleigh Memorial Trophy, which is an honour issued by the club each year to someone involved with them who has made a contribution to their work.

Cllr Hutchings hailed the efforts of the club’s officers and staff over the last year in securing a positive future, stating: “I was invited to attend the Holsworthy Football Clubs end of season presentation evening. I was asked to present the trophies to each of the teams and was more than surprised to be presented with one myself.

“The Eveleigh Memorial Trophy is awarded to someone each year who has contributed to the club. I was more than chuffed to be awarded the trophy. It has been a pleasure working with the clubs officers and staff over the last 12 months trying to help the club secure a positive footing for the future of football in Holsworthy. Thank you for the invite and the award.”