BEN BALLANTYNE is the first winner of a new award for young football referees in the York area.

The 16-year-old, from Dringhouses, is already making a name for himself on the local scene.

In recent weeks he has refereed the Ryedale Plate final for Under-11s at Pickering Town's ground and was assistant referee at the York and District FA Schools' final for U15s at York City's Bootham Crescent.

He was also an assistant referee at Ryedale League and York Mitchell League representative matches.

Ben was chosen by Colin Fawcett, president of the York and District Referee Association, who introduced the award to encourage young referees.

Said Fawcett: "Apart from his performances in matches, Ben has done a lot off the field. He raises money for the Association through raffles and helps with the examinations for new referees."

Although Ben is now old enough to referee senior matches, he has decided to wait another season before stepping up to adult football.

He said: "I am not really tall enough, so I will just play football next season.

"It was brilliant to win the award. I want to do the best I can in refereeing and, hopefully, reach a high level."

Barry Casterton, secretary of the York Mitchell League, presented Ben with a shield and a trophy. The trophy will be retained by Ben, and the shield will go to next season's winner.

Updated: 10:10 Tuesday, May 27, 2003