TAVISTOCK referee Allen Lewis wore his 'best 'whistle and flute' to attend a special award ceremony at Buckingham Palace this month.

Allen was among only one of FA 150 Grass Roots recipients who personally received his medal from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and Football Association chairman Greg Dyke.

Those chosen were selected for their outstanding contribution to football, including helping to develop the women's game, providing opportunities for disabled players and refereeing.

Allen, who lives in Parkwood Road, Tavistock, told the Times: 'To be a recipient of the FA 150 Grass Roots Outstanding Contribution to Football Awards is a huge honour! With only 150 medals being given nationally I was thrilled to represent Tavistock, West Devon and the Devon FA.

'What a wonderful experience to be invited to Buckingham Palace and receive this award from the FA President Prince William and FA Chairman Greg Dyke for my own personal work to ground roots football which includes the Respect Programme.

'I am so humbled by the experience and as a referee I had the chance to meet and chat with Fifa Referee Howard Webb which was fanastic!

'Meeting so many dedicated football people was inspiring and they all had their stories to tell.'

Prince William, said Allen, made a passionate speech about the good in football and how lucky he was that his grandmother the Queen agreed to allowing a football pitch be marked out on the Palace lawns for a celebratory match refereed by Howard Webb.

Allen added: 'I can honestly say that this day was by far the icing on the cake for me and my love of football and to whoever nominated me a big thank you.

'My goal will be to continue to work hard for the sport that I love and continue to try and put a smile on footballs face.'