STOURBRIDGE Croquet Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

In 1968, the year West Bromwich Albion won the FA cup, a group of croquet enthusiasts formed the Stourbridge Croquet Club at Mary Stevens Park which remains their home to this day.

One year after forming the club became affiliated to the prestigious Croquet Association. Three years on and former player John Evans won the Robin Hood Gold Cup and other National Croquet Tournaments - and the club has gone on to have its share of glory over the years.

Phil Bate has been at the helm as chairman for the past seven years, assisted by his wife Sian as club secretary but the couple have decided it is time for a change.

Mike Billings, a former headmaster, and his former schoolteacher wife Maggie, winner of the Stourbridge Golf Croquet Championship Cup, have been elected for the positions.

Phil said: “Over the years the club has been successful in local and national tournaments. Sadly many of our original members are no longer with us but their memories live on as does the game with our present dedicated devotees.

"It has been an honour to be chairman and I have enjoyed my term of office and now happily pass on the mallet to Mike and wish him every success for the future of our club.”

As the club celebrates its milestone anniversary - new players, young and old, are invited to try out croquet and consider joining up.

Anyone interested can contact Mike on 07591 222533.