TRIO HONOURED: The man who raises the money at Linley and Kidsgrove and his club colleague who sweeps out the changing rooms have been honoured by the Rugby Football Union.

Darren Goldspink and Nigel Goold – along with Kevin White – received ties and certificates in recognition of their voluntary work with the Bathpool Park club.

Linley president Ron Tyson, the club's Valued Volunteer co-ordinator, recommended the trio, who received their awards from Staffs county president Barry Tilstone and secretary Martin Rennard.

Goldspink is in his second season as fund-raiser and is £600 towards beating last year's figure of £900. He has been a member for 11 years and is still playing in the third team.

At the age of 42, White is still a first-teamer. He joined Linley and Kidsgrove more than 20 years ago and also served the club as treasurer for eight years and membership secretary for four years.

White also made a massive contribution as a founder member of the minis and juniors sections and has coached every Sunday ever since.

Life vice-president Goold has been a member for 15 years and every Monday morning can be found clearing out the changing rooms.

Meanwhile, LEEK stalwart Gareth Jones enjoyed a memorable day at Twickenham as the guest of RFU president John Owen.

Jones was invited to the Six Nations match between England and Ireland, where he was wined and dined in recognition of his services to club, county and local schools for more than 40 years.

He said: "It was nice to meet up with old friends and internationals, and very interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes."

Jones, aged 63, is a Welshman who played his rugby for Barry, Bournemouth and Wilmslow. He also represented Hampshire and was a member of the Staffordshire squad that won the county championship in the 1969-70 season.

Jones spent three years at Loughborough College and landed a job at Westwood High School.

He trained with Leek while playing for Wilmslow before joining the club he then captained for three years.

Jones then took to coaching and in more recent times was Director of Rugby, a role he handed over to Neil Edge.

Linley and Kidsgrove's Kevin White (in club colours) is pictured with Staffs President Barry Tilstone.