Blackburn Harriers and Athletic Club celebrated 100 years of history in style at Ewood Park when 320 former and current members attended a centenary dinner.

The guest speaker was Paul Dickenson, one of BBC Sports top athletic commentators, who had flown back from the Common-wealth Games to be there on the evening.

His speech was a stylish performance remembering his association with Blackburn as a teenager when he won an English Schools hammer title at Witton Park. He went on to compete in the big invitation meetings that were held there in the 1970s while he competed for his country in the Olympic Games.

He was joined on the night by Barry Williams, another Olympian who broke the Commonwealth hammer record at Witton Park President George Kirby, former athletics correspondent for the Lancashire Telegraph, was the centre of attention as he delivered a wonderful speech reflecting on his many years with the club.

He was followed by the club chairman, Tony Wood, who had organised the evening along with George Davies, the club secretary.

Many past and present stars of the Harriers attended, from 93-year-old son of its first chairman after the war, Percy Fish, and the grandson of its first member in 1910, Bob Mason.

Former World cross country champion Michael Morton, and Commonwealth Games middle distance runner Jason Lobo were present, joining many Blackburn stars and internationals including possible future Olympians in world junior bronze medallist Holly Bleasdale and world junior hammer champion Sophie Hitchon in the celebrations.

Throughout the night there was a continuous audio visual presentation with photographs and film showing great moments in the history of the club.

It was indeed a fitting tribute to one of the most influential sporting organisations in the North West.

News was announced on the night that a book on the history of the club would be published during the course of next year, written by Tony Wood, with the aptly named title ‘Mill Town Spikes’ and if you wish to reserve a limited edition copy, contact the author on run14@btinternet.com or telephone 01254 703245.

l Blackburn Harriers’ main training nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm at Witton Park, although there are specialist groups training at other times too.

The club caters for juniors from the age of eight through to seniors and veterans.

Richard and Jackie Taylor on 01254 200886 can tell you more or you can view the club website blackburnharriers.co.uk which will give you all the club news.