The Ferryhill Wheelers cycling club are 75 years old this year and tonight hold a special dinner to celebrate their birthday.

Taking place at the Cumby Arms in Heighington, Ferryhill have invited past and present members to attend the anniversary which has also been marked with a social gathering during the summer.

Founded in 1926, the club has had mixed fortunes over the years, but are currently enjoying a membership of over 90, with good results from racing members, and sponsorship from Tony Jary of Cycleways Racing Newton Aycliffe.

The club was able to boast a World Champion at the start of their anniversary year, following George Bennett's win in the ICF Age Related Championship at the end of last season. George, one of several "come-back' riders in the club, was one of the Wheelers most successful riders in his earlier career representing Great Britain in the Tour de L'Avenir, Peace Race, and Tour of Sweden. He also took the Mountain Jersey in the Tour of Britain in 1961, the same year he took the silver medal in the National Road Race Championship.

Club President, Bobby Douglas,will have been a member for 50 years in 2002, and together with Mel Littlefair, has been responsible for holding the club together during a recent lean spell. Treasurer Fred Simpson deserves special mention for ensuring that large stocks of club clothing are always available thereby ensuring a club run that is always 'blue and white'.

The anniversary has been celebrated in style with the club enjoying two National Championship wins at Masters level this year.

Bryan Bliss won the BCF Over 65 Road Race at Stevenage, and notched up a further 14 wins on the road while he also took the bronze in the pursuit at his first visit to the Worlds Masters Track Championships.

Steve Davies took gold in the time trial at the National Track Championships, where he also finished second to Ian Hallam, taking silver in four other events. In addition, Davie won the LVRC Criterium Championship, and made the podium at the Worlds Masters behind Hallam and Danny Clark of Australia in the Pursuit.

At youth level, Chris Chester has made his mark by winning the season long Cleveland Youth League, and the British Schools Hill Climb Championship. He also finished fifth overall in the four stage Manchester International Youth Tour.

Other riders with wins this season included Andy Watson, Tony Fawcett and new veteran Colin Bell.

Some of Ferryhill's 'old boys' include a national team coach in Marshall Thomas, and former National Road Race Champion, Dave Cook who was with the club when he won the title, and remains the club's only Open National Champion.

l The club meets at Ferryhill Leisure Centre (8pm) on the first Monday of every month (second if a Bank Holiday), and welcomes new members of any standard.