ONE of the most respected and influential figures in Wirral football, 62-year-old Frank Robinson, has been honoured by Cheshire FA.

Wirral's own Mr Football' has been presented with a long service award by David Edmunds, chairman of Cheshire County FA to mark Frank's 21 years as secretary of Wirral District FA and 40 years in total in amateur football.

Frank's involvement in Wirral football began in 1968 with Birkenhead Sunday League club Stag Inn FC. He was then co-opted onto the Birkenhead Sunday League to become its first press officer, writing two columns a week for the then Birkenhead News.

Frank became League Secretary in 1973 and later President and Chairman. In 1976, he represented the Birkenhead Sunday League at Wirral District FA, of which he was elected assistant secretary in 1982 before being elected secretary in 1987.

In 1984-85 season, he was elected to the Cheshire County FA Council for one year only before returning in 1989.

To-date, he is vice-president, as well as competitions secretary and director, of Cheshire FA. In 1998-99 season, he was elected a Life Member of Wirral District FA.

At the conclusion of season 2008-09, Frank will have hopefully attained 21 years service on the Cheshire County FA Council. "It feels a lot longer!" he said.

Meanwhile, special guest at Wirral District FA's last meeting was Wirral referee Mike Dean, who took charge of this season's FA Cup Final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City. Mike, who lives in Heswall, was presented with a prestigious award known as the Arthur Yeardsley Meritorious Award for contributions to refereeing.

Also on show was the largest collection of silver cups ever assembled - such was the success of Wirral District FA's member clubs last season.