NORTH Yorkshire referee Bill Burns will take charge of this year's LDV Vans Trophy final between Port Vale and Brentford on April 22.

The final at the Millennium Stadium will bring the curtain down on the Scarborough referee's 16-year career as a Football League official.

Burns, 48, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take charge of such an important game.

"I've hugely enjoyed my time as a referee and this occasion will be a great finale.

"I've heard an awful lot about the Millennium Stadium and to be one of the first officials to experience the stadium at first hand will be terrific."

Joining Burns on the day will be assistant referees Russell Tiffin, from County Durham, and Andy Woolmer, from Northamptonshire.

The fourth official will be Bill Jordan from Hertfordshire.

Updated: 09:27 Tuesday, March 27, 2001