Kent referee Martin Yerby has been chosen to run the line in the FA Cup final at Wembley, as part of a four-man officiating team.

The 45-year-old, from Ashford, will join fellow assistant ref Trevor Massey, fourth official Chris Foy and referee Mike Dean for the May 17 date, which sees Portsmouth take on Cardiff.

“It’s a fantastic honour,” Mr Yerby admitted. “It will be my fourth Wembley visit in the last year (having already officiated in the Carling Cup Final, Community Shield and Championship play-off Final).

“I’d like to think I’ve had a good season and that I’ve been selected for the final on merit.”

Yerby, who takes charge of around 10 Blue Square and Ryman League games a season, will spend the next month working with the cup final team, starting with the Championship game between West Brom and Watford on Saturday.

“We’ll have the next five weekends to get to know each,” Yerby said.

“I’ve worked with Mike Dean on many occasions, including the Leeds v Watford play-off final in 2006.”