TWO Bromsgrove soccer referees have been honoured for blowing the whistle for 30 years.

Basil Gough and John Harris received their long-service awards from the Worcestershire Football Association. They are well respected by the town's soccer fraternity and have officiated in the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League.

Basil put his long refereeing career down to keeping fit and a good knowledge of the laws.

The 64-year-old, of Stourbridge Road, said: "A ref has to have skin like a crocodile and shoulders like Tarzan."

He added: "It's an achievement to keep going for 30 years.

"It's essential to be fit and keep up with the play. I stay in shape by running and taking the dog for a walk. I also rely on the good cooking of my wife, Sandra.

"The discipline of players has become worse since I started. Luckily, I've got the respect of the players - probably because I've been around for so long."

He said the high points of his career have been his awards for 25 and 30 years' service and officiating cup finals at Worcester City, Bromsgrove Rovers and Malvern Town.

One of the low points was when a team walked off the pitch in the Bromsgrove league because he sent off some of their players.

John, of Forest Close, Lickey End, has now retired from refereeing so he can concentrate on running, tennis and golf.

The 54-year-old said: "It was great being a ref because of the friends you make - from refuse collectors to company managers.

"One of the problems in the last five years has been discipline. All 11 players in a team are on your back and the players seem to want to start fighting at a moment's notice."

One of his best memories was being assistant referee during two Worcestershire Senior Cup finals.