WEST Riding County FA have capped a successful 12 months with a major award from The FA.

They won first prize in the Club Development section at the 2004-05 FA Football Development Awards held at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane ground.

The award followed a year in which they have boosted the number of FA Charter Standard Clubs to over 100.

Clubs in the Keighley-based Keybury and Craven, Aire & Wharfe leagues made a major contribution to the county's success which earned them a plaque and a cheque for £1,000.

Julie Chipchase, County Development Manager, said their success was down to the hard work of league and club officials.

"Thanks to the commitment of club volunteers, secretaries and coaches, we have been raising the standards within grassroots football."

Julie received the award from the FA's Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking and the chairman of the FA's Football Development Committee Ray Berridge.

Kelly Simmons, The FA's Head of Football Development said: "These awards mark some of the most significant work carried out each year at grassroots level."

n The FA's Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking (far right) and the chairman of the FA's Football Development Committee Ray Berridge (far left) present members of the West Riding County FA with their Club Development award.

The West Riding CFA members are (L-r): Mark Coulson (Football Development Officer), Julie Chipchase (County Development Manager), Nicola Copley (FDO) and Julie Grundy (Girls & Women's Development Officer).