BOLTON Wanderers' club chaplain and Head of Community Trust Phil Mason has been named the 2020 ‘Pitching In' North West Football Awards Unsung Hero.
The accolade, which was presented by former Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, recognises the work Phil has done for the community over many years.
Throughout the pandemic, the trust has supported vulnerable members of the community through its Loneliness Programme, which has engaged with local people through telephone calls, garden gate visits and support with online shopping and ordering prescriptions.
Speaking about the award, Phil told the club's official website: "I am very grateful to have won this award but I wish to dedicate it to all my colleagues in the Community Trust who always go beyond the call of duty.
"Most of them live in the town themselves and see their jobs as true vocations.
"Everybody is going through a tough time because to the pandemic, but if we all stick together as one club, one town and one community we will be much stronger as a consequence."
Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan added: "I am delighted that Phil has been acknowledged in this way as he is devoted to improving the lives of others.
"He's a great colleague and a tremendous asset, not just to Bolton Wanderers football club but to the town as a whole. Well done, Phil!"