A HOCKEY club in north Durham has welcomed one of the sport’s stars to celebrate its 60th anniversary celebrations.

Olympic bronze medallist Sally Walton staged a masterclass to mark six decades of Durham Hockey Club at Maiden Castle sports centre.

She was also a guest speaker at a special dinner at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Saturday.

Club president John Redman, 63, who lives in Spennymoor, said: “She was lovely and very down to earth.

“A lot of people said her speech was inspirational for anyone who wants to play sport.

“But it applied not just to sport but life in general. Her message was ‘don’t give up’.”

Ms Walton, 31, who won bronze with Team GB at London 2012, coached club members and the youth sides on Saturday and today. (Sunday, June 2)

Mr Redman added: “For our young players the masterclass was very good indeed because she was similar to them when she started and overcame a lot of hurdles to get where she is today.

“They were very excited to meet her have their picture taken with her and her Olympic medal.”