It was the return of the Prince.

Almost a year ago, Maldon football coach Syd Wells was made an honorary prince by an African village for teaching soccer to their children.

Earlier this month he returned to his new kingdom, the small village of Manduar in The Gambia, to receive a certificate from the chief, the Alkalo, officially recognising his "outstanding performance and contribution to the village".

Retired postman Mr Wells, 70, of Viking Road, said: "It was just really fantastic. Last year it was done on the night we came away and it was dark and it was all over quickly.

"This time, the whole village came out and we danced a quarter of a mile up to see the Alkalo and then we danced back down another quarter of a mile before playing a game of football.

"It is something which you can't explain. You have to actually be there to see it happening."

Both trips were organised by the charity, The Kingfisher Trust, and this year, due to the success and obvious interest from the children, three other Maldon-based FA football coaches went with Mr Wells.

The trio was Dean Curtis, 23, of London Road, Maldon, Andrew Jesney, 35, of Henry Road, Chelmsford, both former Plume School pupils who were coached by Mr Wells, and Roger Causaker, 47, of Dryden Close, Maldon.

As well as coaching, the team also took with them football shirts, boots and balls, some donated by The Kit Room in Maldon, as well as books and pens for the children to use at school.

The icing on the cake came on the final day in Manduar when a team coached by Mr Wells and the others beat a local league team 2-1 after losing 1-0 last year.

True to his footballing roots, Mr Wells said: "I think I was more chuffed at them winning the game against the local team."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.