NEWENT RFC president and co-founder Mike Poole said he was ’thrilled to bits’ to receive a British Empire Medal as part of the Queen’s birthday honours.

The 80-year-old has been honoured for his services to sport and charitable fundraising in the market town.

Poole started Newent Rugby Football Club in 1970, aged 35 after finishing his playing career with Hereford.

Since then, the club briefly folded in 1995, before Poole helped revive the Green Army’s youth section, and in particular an Under-17s side from whom the first XV were selected initially.

As the club grew, and the young players gained experience, Newent began their unrelenting rise up the leagues, climbing from Gloucester Three in 2010 to their current lofty position in South West One West.

“I started the club in 1970 when I was playing for Hereford. I was 35 and I thought ’what can I do now?’

“It went very well for the first 10 years and then it went a bit downhill. I came back from holiday one year and I was informed that the club had been abandoned. The coach said the players weren’t good enough.

“The rise of the club overs the last 10 years has been incredible, but there are a lot of people to thank.

“The ladies have been great and our chairman John Moore is fantastic.

“It’s always nice to be recognised. I’m thrilled to bits and I was really surprised when the letter arrived.

“The rugby club has been my life. It’s kept me going; I’m 80 years old now and I still go to all the matches.”

Poole also oversaw back-to-back cup triumphs at rugby HQ, as Newent won the Junior National Vase at Twickenham in 2013 and then the Senior National Vase the following year.

During his long-standing commitment, he has provided the opportunity for over 2,000 children and adults to enjoy the game of rugby.

He has supported many charities for disabled people through events ranging from dinner dances to auctions which have raised over £50,000 in the past 15 years.