A 15-YEAR-OLD has become the youngest-ever winner of York's prestigious rugby league Referee of the Year award.

Gareth Evans (above) won the vote of the York Rugby League Referees' Society committee to land the JP Hebblethwaite Memorial Trophy at their annual dinner.

It was just reward for all the hard work Gareth has put in since joining the society two years ago. He has run the touchline all around Yorkshire and Humberside, refereed in junior and youth games and earlier this season had to take charge of an open age game due to a shortage of refs.

He is also involved on the committee, attending meetings locally and for the North Yorkshire Service Area, as well as taking part in Rugby Football League match development courses at RFL headquarters at Red Hall, Leeds.

Gareth, from Lowfields Drive in York, was one of the touch judges at today's York and District Accident Cup final between York Groves and Selby Warriors.

Anybody wanting to become a referee or touch judge should contact the secretary on 01904 789321. The next local course is in June.

Updated: 11:48 Saturday, April 14, 2001