A football coach who has devoted his time to clubs in Chester for more than a decade has been nominated as the Champion Volunteer of the Year for the Trinity Mirror Cheshire Your Champions awards.
Bernard Concannon has spent 12 years in voluntary roles at Newton Athletic Youth FC.
He was also head of youth development at the Chester FC Academy.
Bernard, from Little Stanney, was even invited to Buckingham Palace as part of just reward for his efforts earlier this year.
He said: “To carry out such voluntary work over the years within the community and within youth and junior football could not have taken place without the numerous fellow volunteers I have had the great pleasure of working alongside and owe so much to.
“I cannot thank them all enough for their endless hours of hard work, dedication and professionalism.
“Setting up a business back in 1990 at the latter end of the recession was hard and to be still trading some 25 years later with the same company name above the workshop door is something I am very proud of.
“I’d like to thank my wife Jennette for her support and understanding over the years without which none of the time required to carry out all the voluntary work would have been possible.”
Newton Athletic Youth FC has 250 children playing in its teams across the age groups.
In his time at Chester FC he oversaw the progression of the club’s top young talent.
Bernard took up an invitation from Her Majesty The Queen to attend a garden party on May 10.
The businessman was also commended for 25 years of trading for his furniture restoration company Chester Polishers .
Bernard said: “Myself and my family were extremely shocked but very proud to be invited to attend the royal garden party and meet the Queen and members of the royal family.
“Attending the garden party was a very surreal experience for Jennette and I. To see the Queen, Prince Philip and other members of the royal family so close, just milling around the grounds of Buckingham Palace and talking to guests is something that will live with us forever.”
