THE world's leading referee was on hand to help a Vale of Clwyd club to mark a special anniversary over the weekend.

Nigel Owens was the guest of honour at Clwb Rygbi Dinbych's 40th anniversary dinner, which was held at the Oriel House, St Asaph.

He gave an entertaining and informative account of some of his experiences, both on and off the field, and this included a fine singing cameo!

Club captains over the past 40 years were given commemorative ties, while a number of special awards were also made to the following.

Meurig Voyle was awarded the Gladys Roberts Cup for outstanding service to the club, with former player and Norwegian international Jonathan Bruns being given a life vice-presidency.

Unfortunately, Mr Voyle was unable to attend the function.

However, in an act of true courtesy, Nigel Owens volunteered to visit him in Denbighshire Infirmary the morning after the dinner to award him with the trophy.

This is an award which had been previously awarded on four occasions only in the 40-year history of the club - to D Leslie Phillips, Jeff Jenkins, Terry Bryer and Tegid Phillips.

Nigel spent over an hour with Meurig, not only to congratulate him but also to reminisce, with both having their roots firmly established in Carmarthenshire.

In addition, Terry Bryer and Jeff Jenkins were both honoured by the naming of some of the club's facilities.

The clubhouse will now be known as Y Ty Clwb Jeff Jenkins / The Jeff Jenkins Clubhouse, while the first team pitch will be known as y Maes Terry Bryer / the Terry Bryer Pitch.

The event also marked the launch of the book '40 Mlynedd o Rygbi / 40 Years of Rygbi', giving a comprehensive history of the first four decades of the Club.

Anyone interested in obtaining a copy should look for details on the Clwb Rygbi Dinbych website, via www.pitchero.com/clubs/clwbrygbidinbych