Former Southend Sunday League secretary Jim Sewell and his wife Hazel were handed a surprise double award at the weekend to acknowledge more than two decades of loyal service.

Jim, 82, and Hazel made their way to Southend's Victory sports ground on Sunday morning to watch their grandsons, Gary, Neil and Paul, in action for local side Bell Sports.

Chiming in - Bell Sports help Jim and Hazel Sewell celebrate their awards Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

But they got more than they bargained for when they were both presented with Essex County Football Association long service awards before the game at pitchside.

A jubilant Jim said: "I was completely gobsmacked as I didn't know anything about the award -- it was a wonderful surprise."

Jim stepped down as league secretary during the summer after spending 22-years in the role.

And Hazel -- who will continue as registrations secretary, assisted by Jim -- has completed the same amount of time in service and was equally pleased with her own award.

The husband and wife duo, who bring true meaning to the word team, have been married 57 years.

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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