President is pillar of the community

After being described as a "pillar of the community" in the Braintree and Witham Times earlier this month in a feature celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary with his wife Betty, the 85-year-old was honoured by the Ryman League last Saturday with a 25 year long service award.

Vale, who has three children, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren and also doubles up as the Essex club's press officer, is pictured on the pitch at Spa Road collecting his accolade from Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson before Adam Flint's side drew 2-2 with Aveley in Ryman North.

Town's president and his 82-year-old wife, also an avid fan and volunteer, have been pillars of the Witham community since they married at St Nicholas Church in Chipping Hill on August 25 1956, pictured, 13 months after meeting while driving around the Essex countryside with friends.

Images courtesy of Witham Town/Jim Purtill

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