'DO me a favour ref'' -- a familiar cry often heckled at referees from football terraces up and down the country.

Now, as a new professional era beckons, perspective refs are being given the chance to attend an introductory training session.

Preston and District Referees'8.3 Society has organised a session this weekend to encourage potential whistle blowers and their assistants to become league referees.

Spokesman for the society Jack Cunningham said organisers are aiming to net new members from two different areas of the game. They would like to hear from youngsters who are looking to progress through the ranks to the highest level and are calling on former professionals eager to pitch their talent for the benefit of others.

"Lancashire is a real hot bed of football from the central junior leagues right the way up to league level. If the people that turn up are good enough, they can go a long way as a referee or assistant," said Jack.

The session will be held at St George's Social Club, Blackpool Road, Deepdale, Preston, on Saturday, August 4, at 1pm. Interested? Call Bernard Macklin on 01772 700774 or 01772 260410.