FORMER footballer Bill Tatum has been honoured for his services to cricket umpiring in Kidderminster.

The 76-year-old, who played professional football with Grimsby, has been made a life member of Kidderminster and District Cricket Umpires Association after 38 years with the organisation.

Tatum left the north east to come to Kidderminster in 1949 and played football for Kidderminster Harriers for five years.

He began working for the post office and played cricket for their team before a shoulder injury forced him to quit the game.

He joined the umpires association in 1967 and continued to umpire until three years ago.

Tatum is now president of the association and having held a variety of posts down the years still actively attends all of the meetings.

Secretary Brian Kelly said: "We don't give these awards out lightly and I think there are only two other life members, but Bill thoroughly deserves it."