FORMER World Cup referee Paul Durkin marked the completion of a £20,000 refurbishment project at Maiden Newton and Cattistock Football Club.

Portlander Mr Durkin visited the club who played in the first senior match he refereed to open the upgraded shower facilities for home and visiting teams at the Kennel Lane ground.

The new facilities will help Maiden Newton and Cattistock FC plans for expansion, with the club creating an additional team for the coming season.

The project was made possible thanks to a grant from the Football Foundation, a charity aiming to improve grass root sports.

At the opening ceremony Mr Durkin recalled his first senior match as a referee 40 years ago when, as a teenager, he oversaw A.U.W.E of Portland against Maiden Newton and Cattistock (MNCFC) at Tophill.

He said: “I can vividly remember the day as it was raining heavily, was very windy and I was very nervous at the prospect of refereeing a match where everyone was older than me.

“I can even remember that MNCFC lost the match 0-4.”

Club chairman Richard Watts welcomed the completion of the project after more than three years of hard work.

He said: “As a club we are absolutely delighted with our new showers.

“After many years of having inadequate facilities to offer visiting teams, we now have a first class after-match facility. We are indebted to the Football Foundation for their help.”