CYCLISTS gathered in force at the weekend as Stourbridge Cycling Club celebrated its 50th birthday.

Following a barn dance at The Bonded Warehouse on Friday night, more than 50 riders gathered next morning to take part in a series of rides which had a strong 50s theme to them.

Cyclists took part in events ranging from15 to 50K off-road, while there were 50K and 50-mile rides on the road.

The club was formed following a merger between Audnam Wheelers and North Worcestershire Road Club.

Original founder members Roger Mantom and Bryan Hedges were on hand to cut a special cake to mark the occasion.

Since then, Stourbridge town has spawned two further clubs - Stourbridge Velo, which concentrates on racing, and Stourbug which started out as a one-off women's challenge but now boasts 50-50 male and female membership.

Stourbridge CC chairman Kevin Payton said: "It was great to see some of the old faces again. We had a fantastic weekend. Cycling has never been more popular."