THE year 2013 proved to be a memorable onefor St Helens RL Referees whose members picked up a number of prestigious individual awards intheir finest ever as a Society cleaning up all of the Community trophies in the North West.

17-year-old Craig Smith, who officiated at Wembley in the Champion Schools before the Challenge Cup Final was voted Referee of the Year in the 13-15s league with Craig Hill picking up the award in the 16-18s league.

At Open-Age Phil Smith took the accolade in the North West Mens league.

In the professional game the success continued with Mike Woodhead being awarded the Achiever of the Year in the RL Championship.

Overall winner as top whistler in this league went to Chris Leatherbarrow who joined St Helens referees at the age of 14.

He follows in the footsteps of 2012 winner George Stokes who took up the whistle at the same time as Chris, both having joined from playing locally with the Blackbrook club.

A spokesman for St Helens RLRS said: " Its been a fantastic year for our members and they all deserve their rewards for the time and dedication they put into refereeing. Chris and Mike were on the Championship Finals.

“Craig Hill and Phil Smith refereed National And Regional Cup Finals and Craig Smith achieved Wembley in under two years in the game.

“We are as strong as we've ever been at this present time with a thriving junior section and an experienced team of mentors who ensure everyone can reach their potential.” Anyone interested in taking up refereeing can email:Recruitment@ StHelensRLRS. co.uk