A DEVOTED man of local football and ardent fundraiser for charities has been nominated for an award by the FA.

Allen Lewis from Tavistock received the news last week that he has been nominated for the FA Community Award 2015.

The award recognises and rewards people across the country who have made a difference to grassroots football in their local community — people who dedicate their time in developing tomorrow's young talent and helping ensure safety and best practice.

Even though Allen does not know who nominated him, he believes he has been recognised due to his contributions to local football through sponsorship and charity work.

'It could be through my work with the Tavi Specials, which is in its eighth year, and I am also a referee at the highest level of disability football.

'Generally it could be through my work in football with the Tavi Specials, the Son Rise Cup, Tavistock AFC, Tavistock Community, Horrabridge, Princetown, Walkhampton and all the local sides.'

Winners will be awarded at a local, regional and national level and will be chosen by a judging panel which will feature 1966 World Cup winner and McDonald's Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst.

On being nominated, Allen said: 'It's a great honour to be nominated for the FA Community 2015 award for my work with grassroots football. Plus, it's not every day you get to meet a hat-trick scorer of a world cup final.'

In 2013, Allen, who is also vice chair of the Plymouth and West Devon Men's Football League, received the FA hero award from Prince William, which was an 'incredible' moment for Allen and the previous year he was invited to have lunch with the Queen, for his hard work and dedication to football.

The biggest achievement Allen is proud of is the growth and recognition of the Son Rise Cup, which is being held this bank holiday weekend for the tenth year running.

'It started as a little match with two teams and now we have 1,500 footballers playing in the event and we even have 24 referees and 28 on the second day. We have raised more than £300,000 for lots of local charities, as well as the Cancer Trust and the Children's Hospice South West.'

• The FA Community Award will be presented at Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, on June 10.