TWO rugby league officials who helped safeguard the future of the Barrow Referees Society have been honoured for their commitment to the game.

Chairman and secretary Terry Barker praised Bob Huitson and Jimmy Bridle for their dedication during a tough period for the society, which at one stage had just a handful of referees on the books.

Now the pair have been recognised for their loyalty, with each being awarded with life memberships from the society.

Just nine years ago only five match officials were on call to cover both open-age and youth games in the Barrow League, as well as school competitions and North West Counties matches.

Today the number has swollen thanks to lots of determination and hard behind the scenes work and last season 70 people were successfully put through refereeing courses, with more to set to take up the whistle this year.

Barker said of Huitson and Bridle: “When we went down to five, they were a lifeline. They would turn out on a Saturday and Sunday, at any time, they have been absolutely brilliant servants.

“They are second-to-none, we would probably have folded without them.

“They are two genuine blokes, Bob picks the referee appointments and he actually gives finals to other people.”

Bridle – a Barrow referee of the year – took up the whistle during the 1985 season, with Huitson joining in 1991 and both have officiated in Barrow and District fixtures, the North West Counties and the Cumberland League – lately the Cumbria Mens League.

Huitson – who took up the role of appointments secretary six years ago – has also acted as a Rugby Football League touch judge and has been the man in the middle for around 25 cup finals – including four Barton Townley Cup finals.

The society recently received a £8,640 cash boost from the Big Lottery Funding to train more officials, with the aim of recruiting another 70.

Already 27 people – comprising 14 under-16s, six women and seven men – have completed a referee course.

They are using their expertise to help the neighbouring West Cumberland Society develop their own programme.

Their success has also seen a number of members start on the Rugby Football League ladder, which could one day see them take the stage at Super League level.

As well as the Big Lottery Funding, the society were handed a £450 grant from the Barrow Borough Sports Council and £200 from the GMB which go towards kits for new recruits.

The society are seeking women, players and students, aged between 15 and 17, who would like to have a go at refereeing to contact Terry Barker on 01229 830698 or email him at terry.rugby@hotmail.co.uk