Golden night as Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club celebrates its 50th anniversary - with PICTURES
Hundreds of athletes turned out to a glitzy birthday dinner celebrating 50 years of Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club.
Awards were handed out last night to this year's star performers as a toast was raised to the club's long running success.
Club President Mary Harding said it was great to see athletes young and old come together to celebrate the anniversary.
Olympic champion Denise Lewis MBE had been invited to the event but did not attend.
The Aldersley Road-based club has churned out international athletes over the years, with some going on to reach the top tier of athletics.
Mrs Harding said: "Tonight 480 people have come together from the old boys of 50 years ago with the athletes of today. There is a great combination of talent in this room tonight."
Club athletes, friends and family packed into WV1 Suite at Molineux Stadium where the birthday dinner was held.
Tables were lined out across the room, where people took their seats to listen to awards get handed out on the night.
A party atmosphere filled the room as names were read out for athletes to walk up to the stage and collect their awards.
Around 50 awards were presented to athletes aged under 13 up to senior levels in track and field.
Mary added: "The event was absolutely brilliant, I couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
"Denise (Lewis) didn't come. It was a bit disappointing. She had the opportunity and we did expect her.
"It was a lovely event, all people came together to share their stories."
