The newest incumbent to level 6 of the football referee's ladder is Haverfordwest's Gareth Elliot, a member of the Chevron and Eddies snooker bar sponsored Pembrokeshire Referees' Society.
He has also been selected as a member of the Referees Elite Development programme under the tutorship of Swansea based FIFA referee, Mark Whitby.
Twenty-eight-year-old Elliot has been officiating for six years, having donned the colours of Haverfordwest County and Prendergast Villa in his playing days, being a stalwart member of the Referees' Society throughout this period.
In accepting the invitation to this level from Honouree Referees' Officer for the WWFA, John Gow, Elliot achieved excellent match delegate assessments, where he officiated at high profile local league and West Wales Cup fixtures, including games at Hakin United and Johnston and passed the stringent fitness criteria expected of level 6 officials.
Elliot has developed his game in recent times, accepting advice from more experienced whistlers, which has allowed him make progress up the ladder.
Outside of football, Elliot also runs for Pembrokeshire Harriers, where he is current club champion, whilst also holding up well as a top level runner across South West Wales, where he has the goal of being crowned the elite runner for 2010/11.
When interviewed, Elliot said he was "thankful for the support received in achieving this level of officiating, from colleagues in Pembrokeshire and his family."
Youngest brother Tim is also officiating between commitments in the Army and tours to Afghanistan.
Elliot also further explained how proud he was to receive an invitation into the elite development group and was looking forward to working with Mark Whitby to develop further.
"I have been told to consolidate this season at level 6 with Mark's aim for me to be pushed next season to the next level, something I am very keen on achieving."
In his absence, members of the society were informed of his promotion at their Christmas meeting, when all members offered their congratulations.
Jonathan Twigg from the society also praised Gareth's achievements and reminded newer referees to the ranks of the career path available to them, which could see a Pembrokeshire official taking up the whistle as a FIFA official.
"With commitment, dedication and perseverance, there is no reason why an official from our county shouldn't progress to the top of Welsh football," commented Jonathan Twigg. "We are a very supportive and committed group in Pembrokeshire, with the aim of achieving the highest standards possible.'
As part of their centenary year fund-raising efforts, the society are holding a Sports Quiz on Friday, February 11, with a cash prize to the winning team of five. Further information can be obtained from Sean O'Connor, 10 Heol Emrys Fishguard.