A YORK sportsman has been rewarded at the end of his record-breaking county league career.

In the season just finished, John Eastwood passed the landmark of playing 150 times in 20 years for York veterans' table tennis team in the Yorkshire League and his feat was recognised by York and District Table Tennis Association when he was handed a special trophy at the association's presentation night.

"The award came as a complete surprise and I feel very honoured," said the 62-year-old.

"I think now is the time to retire from the Yorkshire League, though I'll make myself available to be considered in an emergency."

Eastwood, who plays for Holgate WMC in the York and District League, was recommended for the award by his veterans' team colleagues, his name being put forward by Coneysthorpe club player Charles Allenby, who is likely to overtake Eastwood's appearances record next season.

He was given the award for his work in running York veterans' second team for many years as well as his record number of appearances.

Eastwood and Allenby always mark the end of the season by having a meal out together, which this year Eastwood jokingly termed their 'last supper'.

A driver for First Bus, Eastwood has won several trophies during his table tennis career.

He helped York veterans' gain promotion to the top Yorkshire flight and was a member of the team which reached the final of the bus companies' championship some years ago.

He is to continue playing for Holgate in York League.

Other special awards made at the York association presentation night were: RE Jakeman Memorial Award (most promising junior/cadet), James Parker (Sessions); Cameron Trophy (sportsmanship and sociability), Matt Ayres (Poppleton); Ted Plant Trophy (team sportsmanship and sociability), York RI 'D'; York badge (playing for York in Yorkshire League at least three times during season), Nathan Horsley (York RI).

Updated: 09:59 Tuesday, June 14, 2005