PARISH officials paid thanks to a publican for his public-spirited generosity.

Sunderland football fan Edwin Pickersgill was presented with a framed photograph of himself meeting team manager Howard Wilkinson.

Edwin, licensee at The Cross Keys in Esh Village, made a point of greeting the new Black Cats' boss when he was invited to switch on the Christmas lights in neighbouring Langley Park.

Esh Parish Council officials, delighted the high-profile figure took up their offer, recorded the visit with a series of photographs of his every movement in the village.

It included Edwin's big moment, warmly welcoming Wilkinson prior to the lighting-up ceremony.

Parish clerk Mike Ackroyd framed the print and presented it to Edwin as a mark of thanks for his efforts in the community.

Apart from regularly maintaining the parish notice board near the pub in Esh Front Street, Edwin collects money every week at the bar at The Cross Keys to put on a Christmas treat for local pensioners.

Thirty of the more senior citizens of the village responded to Edwin's hospitality this year, enjoying a Christmas dinner and a couple of games of bingo, on December 16.

Edwin 'inherited' the event and has expanded it in his ten years behind the bar at The Cross Keys.

"It's the highlight of their year. They seem to enjoy it and then we take them home afterwards."

Edwin said the presentation of the framed photograph was, 'a nice gesture'.

It will now take pride of place behind the bar.