A Leyton referee is being recognised for his strong performances this season after being shortlisted for an FA Carlsberg Referee Award.

Steve Kelly, 56, was nominated last week for the outstanding contribution to refereeing category and is now up against five other nominees from around the country to win the overall prize.

Kelly said: “To be nominated for this award is a huge honour.

“I would like to thank The London FA for supporting me this season and even if I am not the eventual overall winner I am very proud to have been shortlisted.”

The final award ceremony will take place at Wembley Stadium ahead of England’s friendly match against Scotland on August 14.

The match is one of England’s major internationals in 2013, celebrating The FA’s 150th anniversary year.

Current Premier League referee Howard Webb, who took charge of the 2010 World Cup Final and launched the scheme back in October, congratulated Kelly on his nomination.

“We had over five hundred nominations from around the country so for Steve to have been shortlisted into the six of his category by The FA panel this week is a great achievement,” Webb said.