Neil's widow Viv and son Shaun with the plaque at the graveside in Westbury cemeteryCHAMPIONSHIP winning Westbury Rangers have dedicated their first ever title to their founder and former manager, who died almost three years ago.

Neil Gardiner lost his fight against Motor Neurone Disease in October 2002 aged 54 but the team he formed, played for and managed made sure he was not forgotten in this season's celebrations.

Rangers lost just one match to clinch their first ever Chippenham and District Sunday League premier division title and then paid tribute to the man who made it all possible.

The players presented a marble plaque to Mr Gardiner's son Shaun, now manager, and widow Viv, club secretary, at their awards night on Saturday as their former boss's dream of winning the title finally came true.

Mr Gardiner, of Lilac Grove, Westbury, helped form the club in 1972, along with wife Viv and played and managed them before his son Shaun took over the reigns in 2002.

Ever since his death, Shaun has been striving to land the success his father had always dreamed off and has placed the players' tribute on his father's grave at Westbury cemetery.

He said: "It was a brilliant thought from the lads and I was absolutely gob smacked. For young lads like that to do something like this is unbelievable.

"When I took over when he became ill it was my aim to win the title for him and it means such a lot to the whole club. I know this would mean so much to him."

Rangers' striker Paul Beavers said he and his teammates felt it was important to commemorate what Mr Gardiner had done for the club.

He said: "Before he died his son promised he would win the premier division for him and that has now come true.

"All the lads got together because we felt it was important to remember him. Normally it is the players who get all the praise but we have won this for Neil.

"He had been involved with the club since it began and had never won anything so it is a good feeling knowing we have helped his dream come true."

Mrs Gardiner, 56, said moments like Saturday night made her job as club secretary worthwhile.

She said: "I was totally surprised and I think myself and Shaun were both shell shocked. Some of the lads did not even know him but they said they felt as though they did.

"This keeps me going and there is a family atmosphere at the club which is really enjoyable. It is a pleasure to help out and moments like this show why. I don't think anything could better this. The words on the plaque were spot on as winning the league would have meant so much to him."