He is now, remarkably, into his seventh decade as a director of Carlisle United.

And Blues chairman Andrew Jenkins’ long spell of service at Brunton Park has now been celebrated in song.

United have commissioned a music video in tribute to the co-owner, who first joined the board as long ago as 1959.

It features two singers, Maxwell Thorpe and Katie Stewart, performing Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ on the pitch at Carlisle’s ground.

Carlisle came up with the idea after their original plans to hold a celebration dinner to mark Jenkins’ 60 years with United had to be shelved because of Covid-19.

David Holdsworth, United’s director of football, said: “The staff – Sarah McKnight, Suzanne Kidd, Nigel Clibbens and myself – sat down over a year ago because we knew it was a special occasion for Andrew, and we had plans to have an event to celebrate with him and his family.

“Part of what we wanted to do would also have involved Andrew being on the pitch so supporters could acknowledge him.

“It was such a shame that Covid put paid to all that, but we knew we had to do something.

“Sixty years is an amazing period of service and when I was looking online, I thought this could be a fitting tribute to Andrew and something that could be done safely.

“The two artists are absolutely amazing performers and the gentleman who did the video, Glenn Boulton, has done an amazing job.

“I hope Andrew and his family enjoys it and, at this peculiar time, we can show him our gratitude.”

The tribute video includes images of Jenkins from recent years at Brunton Park, including 2006’s League Two title win as well as the chairman in photos with former Blues figures Peter McConnell, Peter Murphy and Greg Abbott.

Footage of some of United’s goals from this season is also included.

Last season was co-owner Jenkins’ 60th year of service at United, the Pioneer Foodservice chairman having been 23 when he was appointed a Blues director.

He first watched United at Brunton Park in 1944.

A host of former Blues figures have spoken in tribute to Jenkins at his six-decade milestone.

Former manager Abbott said: “One of my fondest memories from being with Carlisle was being able to keep a promise to Andrew that I made after we lost to Southampton in the JPT final [in 2010].

“I felt that I’d let him down, so when we got on the bus after the game I hugged him and said ‘Andrew, I’m sorry about this, but I’m going to put it right and win this trophy for you next year.’

“I was so proud when 12 months later I was able to put the trophy in his hands. He just wants his club to do well and being part of that with him was special.”

Honorary president David Dent, who worked with Jenkins as secretary in past decades at Carlisle, added: “Andrew is a proper gentleman and he’s someone who has always been polite and straightforward.

“There is no malice in him at all and he’s one of the most genuine people you could hope to meet.

“I’ve been friends with him some 61 years, through all his time at Brunton Park, and his dedication to Carlisle United cannot be held in question.”

Former defender John Gorman, part of Carlisle’s top-flight team in 1974/5, added: “When you talk about Carlisle United everybody always mentions Andrew, because his name is so closely linked to the club. He’s a decent, hard-working and honourable man and his dedication to his football club is second to none.”

You can watch the video above, or by going to: https://youtu.be/TI1s6PMEdwE