MILDENHALL Town FC stalwart Lol Houghton has received with The FA 50-year Service Award.

The 89-year-old, who lives close to the club's ground, was presented with the award by Suffolk FA Vice Chair at The Hall’s Isthmian North home match versus Suffolk rivals Bury Town on Boxing Day.

Lol, who first started going to the club in 1969 with his young son Ian, is by far the longest-serving volunteer at the club. 

He has raised well in excess of £150,000 for the club over the years with his raffles and draws.

Lol, who recently announced his retirement after 54 years of loyal service, has been a great supporter and official at the club.

At one stage he was manager of one of the Youth teams, but his main contribution has been helping out behind the scenes.

Lol was a physical training instructor in the Army for 12 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant, then went on to have a successful cleaning business on the base at RAF Mildenhall.

Pictured above at the presentation are (left to right) are Suffolk FA Vice Chair Bruce Badcock, Mildenhall Town Vice Chair Ryan Townsin, Lol Houghton and Mildenhall Town FC Chair Bill Flynn. Main photograph: Lol Houghton (right) receives The FA 50-Year Service Award from Suffolk FA Vice Chair Bruce Badcock (left) at Mildenhall Town FC on Boxing Day. Photographs: Lambpix Photography.

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “Every football club, every organisation, needs people like Lol involved. His appetite to raise significant funds over his 50+ years of being involved with ‘The Hall’ has enabled the club to continually improve the facilities at The Riverside Stadium to maintain their status as one of Suffolk’s premier football clubs.

“Together with undertaking other back-office, largely unseen but vital tasks, Lol is rightly revered at the club and it was our pleasure to present him with a 50-Year Service Award on behalf of The FA, Suffolk FA, and Mildenhall Town FC.”

Mildenhall Town FC Vice Chair Ryan Townsin said: “Lol was really happy to receive the award.

“He loves the club and the way it is run and so loves spending time at the club.”