THE North West football family honoured one of its own this week when the Nevilles were rewarded with a top prize for their contribution to sport in the region.

Jill Neville, who has been secretary and general manager of Bury football club for more than 20 years, picked up the gong on behalf of her family at the North West Football Awards at Lancashire Cricket Club on Monday night.

She was joined on stage by husband Neville, a former commercial director at Gigg Lane and long-time supporter of the club, and daughter Tracey, who played netball for England and is the coach of Superleague side Manchester Thunder.

The award also recognised the couple’s famous footballing sons, Gary and Phil, as well as the charity work done by Phil’s wife, Julie.

“We felt it right that we honour and recognise all the Neville family has done and all they are doing for sport in our region,” said event host and BBC presenter Dan Walker.

Jill, who modestly refused to focus on her own work at Bury and in the local community, which earned her the freedom of the town last year, preferred instead to speak about her role as a proud sporting mum.

“The kids have always been determined at their sport and we have been fully behind them,” she told a packed room at Old Trafford.

As well as Tracey’s international honours, Gary and Phil, of course, made their names at Manchester United before going on to represent England.

Gary and Phil will be hosting a question and answer session at Old Trafford tomorrow in conjunction with Bury FC. For tickets to the event, call the club on 0871 221 1885.