A former Toolstation Western League referee has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Sam Allison was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for promoting inclusivity in Dorset and Wiltshire.

Allison, who only took up refereeing in 2011, became the first black referee in 15 years in the Premier League, after Uriah Rennie, and the second ever when he took charge of Sheffield United's game with Luton Town on Boxing Day.

"The Toolstation Western League are delighted at Sam Allison's wonderful achievement with his refereeing career," said committee member Dave Brammer. 

"Sam was a part of our match officials pool on his way to the professional game and was rightly highly regarded by both the League itself and our member clubs.

"Sam earned prestigious appointments during his time on the Toolstation Western League to referee both the Les Phillips League Cup Final and the league's 125-year commemorative match against England non league international XI.

"We always enjoy seeing our referee's progress to higher levels and follow their careers with great interest. We wish Sam continued success."