Banbury-based referee Dermot Gallagher is not ready to blow full-time on his Premiership career just yet.

In an unprecedented move by the FA Premier League, Gallagher has been rewarded for one of his best-ever seasons with an additional year in the top flight.

Gallagher, 48, who was due to retire in the summer, was given the extension with the backing of referees' supremo Keith Hackett, who said: "In the future, we will look at exceptional cases, and on this occasion there is no doubt.

"The game holds Dermot in high esteem he's not only at the top end of refereeing, but is also extremely fit."

FA Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson added: "Dermot has been getting regular high marks throughout this season.

"His fitness levels are among the highest on the select list, and he has performed outstandingly this season."

The decision to allow Gallagher an extra year has set a precedent, and with new legislation coming into force across Europe in the autumn on age discrimination laws, it could pave the way for other top-flight officials to earn an extension to their deals.

Gallagher, who had already started making plans for what he was to do after hanging up his whistle said: "This has been my dream job. To be allowed to fulfil one more year is very special to me.

"I plan to make next year even more special than those gone before, because I want to justify the faith placed in me.

"I've worked hard both on and off the field, both in refereeing and in my personal life.

"I had anticipated last Sunday being my last game, and I'd prepared for that, but now that my retirement has been held over for one more year, I am delighted."

Gallagher has completely ruled out continuing after next year.

He said: "I am hoping that come next May I can look back on this heaven-sent opportunity with pride.

"If there were another offer for me to continue next year, I will say no.

"By next May, I will be 50 years old, and it will be time to call it a day."