Terry Hughes remembered hearing a knock on his door one day in 1970, when a man asked him if he could help coach four youngsters who wanted to take up running.

Fifty years on, Seaton Athletic Club is still going strong and Terry is still heavily involved in coaching - saying that by now he must have seen "thousands" of children come through to train.

The club was set to mark it's 50th anniversary last April with a presentation evening at the Washington Central Hotel in Workington before the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to cancel.

However, members and volunteers are still proud to see in 50 years at the club.

"Over the years, we must have coached thousands of children. I am actually coaching children now whose mother and fathers I coached beforehand," Said Terry, 77, who is now the club chair.

"I feel like we have been doing a worthwhile job by trying to help people in Seaton and keeping the youngsters off the streets."

On marking 50 years, Terry said: "It's very good and it's nice to see the athletes progress. I get pleasure seeing the athletes turning up regularly, going to sports meetings and putting out the best performances that they can - that's what gives you a real buzz."

Despite being the club chair, Terry is still involved with coaching the athletes - being a level three performance coach for sprinting, long jump and high jump.

He added: "Even though I am 77, I have still got an active mind and it is something to look forward to.

"I have enjoyed every minute of it."

Coach and secretary at Seaton Athletic Club, Sharon Wright, was trained by Terry when she was younger and said that the club has a "family" feel to it.

"It has taught me so much - things like dedication and commitment."

On Terry as a coach and the club marking 50 years, Sharon said: "Everyone of us volunteers and Terry is one of the founding members. To give that kind of commitment for fifty years is a huge achievement.

"The amount of young lives that have been affected [by the club] over the years is something to be celebrated."