THE HPH York Vale Cricket League has had two historic milestones recognised at a civic reception.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman, a former Vale League player, hosted an evening at the Mansion House last week to recognise the league’s 80th anniversary.

For half that time Guy Mitchell has been league president and the Lord Mayor presented him with a framed cricket picture on behalf of the league to mark his 40 years’ service.

Mitchell was born in Leeds shortly before his father, Tom, a winger with Leeds United, joined York City, whom he later managed.

Mitchell went to Nunthorpe Grammar School and at the age of 19 went into business with his dad and mother, Irene, with Mitchell Sports in Colliergate in 1950.

Mitchell is the longest servant in the HPH York Vale League’s history, being president for 40 years of those years.