THE editor of Middlesbrough FC's fanzine has been recognised with a Mayor's award for being a champion for sport, heritage and culture in the town.

Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, received his honour at a special ceremony in the Town Hall last night (Monday, April 27).

The 52-year-old former Captain Cook Primary and Nunthorpe Comprehensive pupil got his first season ticket at Ayresome Park at the age of 11 and hasn’t missed a Boro game - home or away - since September, 1999 when his brother got married in Hong Kong.

He started writing for the Boro fanzine Fly Me To The Moon soon after it started in 1988, taking over as editor in 1994.

He was also gig secretary of the Middlesbrough Music Collective, has been a lead singer with Shrug for 20 years, and an ambassador of the local music scene.

Shrug holds the distinction of being the first band to play in East Berlin without a visa, going through the "Checkpoint Charlie" - the crossing between East and West Berlin - as the Berlin wall was being chipped away from the west.

Mr Nichols is an ambassador for the lovemiddlesbrough campaign and for the past two years has been co-organiser of Middlesbrough Local History Month in May, and the Discover Middlesbrough in October to showcase the town’s rich heritage and culture.

He is a keen archaeologist and runner and supports Middlesbrough's 5k and 10k races.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “Middlesbrough needs people to counteract negativity, and in Rob it truly has a passionate advocate.

“He is part of the fabric of Middlesbrough and a great ambassador for the town, and he fully deserves this Mayor’s Award.”

Accepting the award, Rob, who was joined by family, friends and colleagues at Monday’s event, said: "We’re all proud to come from Middlesbrough and I am just pleased to be able to do my little bit to make it better.”