HOCKEY: Royston Hockey Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, with more than 200 players from the past and present, umpires, and officials, marking the occasion with a gala at the Heath Sports Club. Former chairman and organiser Colin Smit

HOCKEY: Royston Hockey Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, with more than 200 players from the past and present, umpires, and officials, marking the occasion with a gala at the Heath Sports Club.

Former chairman and organiser Colin Smith said: "The club wants to recognise the contributions made by all those people who have given their time and energy over the last 50 years to help develop Royston Hockey Club into the thriving organisation it is today."

Fraser Field, Colin Cain, and Brian Gadsby founded the club in 1958, each putting £5 into a hockey fund.

Now Royston is one of the county's leading clubs, with eight senior teams and more than 100 players.

The club has also established itself in developing a number of talented young players including England under-23 regular John Verity Knight and current England and Great Britain player Jo Ellis, who will be competing at this year's Olympic Games, among its shining lights.

Over the years the club has also experienced many highs and lows, with the men and ladies securing a number of key promotions and cup and league trophies.

Smith added: "The club continues to grow from strength-to-strength."

The gala evening will start at 6.30pm and will feature live music and conclude with a dicso and sounds of the last five decades.