It has been a big 2015 for Taunton's Rex Selwood. Not only did the 76-year-old board his first ever flight in order to reunite with his sister in America after 43 years, but he has been given an award by the Somerset Football Association in recognition of his 61 years refereeing in the county.

Following the death of his wife Selina a year ago, Rex, who was born in Yeovil, decided to visit his sister Eileen who he had not seen since she emigrated to the United States with her husband in 1972.

Rex took his first ever flight out from Heathrow on June 10 to Detroit before travelling to see his younger sister who lives in Scotia, New York.

"It was very emotional to be reunited with Eileen. At first we didn't know what to say to each other but once we started we stayed up chatting until midnight," Rex said.

During the three-week trip Rex also met his three nephews and his niece, and visited Lake George, Madison Square Garden and Fifth Avenue.

Then just days after returning to Taunton, Rex was given a long service award at the Somerset Football Association awards night held at the County Ground on July 5.

Rex has been refereeing in Somerset since passing his exam in 1954, just before his fifteenth birthday, but a health scare forced him to take some time away from the pitch earlier this year.

"I collapsed during a game midway through last season between Combe St Nicholas and a team from Lyme Regis. It turned out I had a minor heart attack and I was kept in Musgrove for four nights," he said.

Rex has since been been given the all clear and plans to start refereeing the odd game again this season.

"I must have refereed at every ground from Kent to Cornwall by now!" Rex said.

"I just love football, it is good exercise and it keeps me going. I have made many wonderful friends over the years even if there are always some players who want to put the knife in you!"

Last year Rex became the first lifetime member of the Somerset Referees Association and he has no plans of stopping just yet.