Carlisle United have paid tribute to their long-serving secretary who has given three decades of service to the Blues.

Sarah McKnight was presented with a special framed shirt on Saturday to mark the milestone.

She has been at Brunton Park since 1994 having been initially hired by former owner Michael Knighton, and has been club secretary since 2000.

McKnight, who originally joined as a receptionist, has worked under a number of different regimes since then and will reach 30 years as a United employee on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old's dedicated service has been saluted by a number of United figures, after she received a signed 'MCKNIGHT 30' shirt at half-time during Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Bolton Wanderers at Brunton Park.

Blues manager Paul Simpson, speaking to the club's official outlets, said: “Sarah is absolutely top class in her work.

News and Star: McKnight is pictured with former United goalkeeper Jim McLaren in 2001, a year after she became club secretaryMcKnight is pictured with former United goalkeeper Jim McLaren in 2001, a year after she became club secretary (Image: News & Star)

"There isn't an EFL rule that she doesn't know and if she does get stuck, she knows exactly where to find the answer.

“I have to be honest, without Sarah doing what she does - and the list is endless - my job would be a lot harder.

“Thirty years in any role is a great achievement but to spend 30 years at one football club shows her dedication to Carlisle United. Thanks and well done.”

Owner Tom Piatak paid tribute to McKnight's "dedication and unwavering commitment" to the club as well as her "loyalty and passion".

News and Star: McKnight received a Football League award in 2014 for her 20 years' service, and has now been honoured by the club ten years laterMcKnight received a Football League award in 2014 for her 20 years' service, and has now been honoured by the club ten years later (Image: News & Star)

And former owner and chairman, and now chairman emeritus, Andrew Jenkins, added: “Sarah is the perfect example of a club secretary - hard working, loyal and someone who loves her work in football.

“I hold Sarah in the highest esteem and say she has never made an error in the important position she holds as club secretary.

“I thank her for the service she has given to the club and send my best wishes going forward with her position at Carlisle United.”