SWANAGE Town & Herston editor Gareth Davies is celebrating after his efforts were recognised at the 20th Soccer Club Swap Shop programme awards.

The Dorset Premier League club’s matchday programme came 23rd out of more than 600 entries in the only national non-league competition, run by Phil Watkins of the Programme Club Swap Shop.

Swans were bettered only in Dorset by Poole Town, who finished 16th, with both clubs eclipsing Conference South outfit Dorchester Town and Southern League Wimborne and Weymouth.

The only step seven club to finish above Swans was Clay Cross Town, the Derbyshire-based Central Midlands League outfit coming 12th. Coincidentally, Clay Cross featured in the Swans programme last season after a twinning agreement between the clubs.

Swans’ achievement is emphasised by the fact only three clubs in the Conference, the top level of the non-league pyramid, bettered their programme, namely Stockport County, Gateshead and Grimsby Town.

As a result of his efforts with Swans, lifelong Cherries supporter Davies will be relinquishing his post at Day’s Park after accepting an offer to help edit the programme at Dean Court next season.

He said: “I was delighted to hear how well the programme had done and it was very pleasing to finish ahead of most of the teams in the Conference, especially considering their greater resources and budgets.

“The programme would not be what it is without the support I have received from the many advertisers and contributors, especially Steve Norman from Born Offside and Geoff Hunt from our printers GHPM, who both do such a fantastic job.

“Unfortunately, this will be my last season editing and designing the programme as, on the back of my success at Swanage, I will be helping AFC Bournemouth with their matchday offering in 2013-14.

“Although sad to be leaving, it is not every day you get the opportunity to do something you enjoy for the club you support. I am looking forward to my new challenge and hope the Cherries will soon be picking awards for their programme too!”