A former sports editor has been honoured in recognition of the half a century of service she has given to grassroots football.

The Football Association has presented an award to Rachel O’Connor, who worked for the Wharefdale Observer and has been involved in the sport since the 1960s.

Rachel, pictured, founded and managed a junior side called Burley Rovers, in her home village of Burley-in-Wharfedale, in 1967.

She has since become involved with Guiseley AFC, initially as a match reporter for the Observer in the 1980s.

Rachel later served the club as secretary of its reserve team and continues as its press officer, although she recently retired from editing the club programme after a 21-year tenure.

She has also been a member of the Lancashire League management committee, winning the Gary Parkinson Trophy for services to the league, and has been a member of the Wharfedale FA since 2002.

In the process, she became the association’s first female vice president.