AFTER years of separation 16 friends gathered in Cleator Moor to share memories, stories and photos.

The Cleator Moor Recreational Club gathering at Wath Brow Hornets was arranged by Alf Sim and John McGee.

The former members who attended the reunion were John and Christine McGee, Phil Toman, Tony Rebacus, Ray Patterson, John Morgan, Gary Carruthers, Mary Bewsher, Doreen Evans, Lorraine Park, Rip (Denis) Regan, Eileen McKenna, Don Miller, Sue and Hugh Branney, Alf Sim and Mike Rainton.

Ray Patterson's mother had collected newspaper cuttings and photographs of the club's many sporting successes, which he brought to the event.

The youth club was situated at the Phoenix Youth Project centre on Birks Road.

Mike Rainton, who was youth leader of the club from 1969-1972 said the turnout for the reunion was "remarkable" and the group shared laughs and stories over a buffet.

Mike, 70, said: "The sporting talent had been exceptional, the under 19 rugby league team had got to the final of the county cup, the under 18, 16 and 14 football teams won many competitions.

"Allan McGee was the fell running champion in 1977, Ray Patterson was chosen to attend the Outward Bound School and Gary Carruthers was the best recruit when he joined the army.

"During the period we had many memorable sporting trips, to Shankhill Road YMCA Belfast, Liverpool, Daventry, Teesside and Newcastle. There were also many successful trips to Isthmus Cottage, Keswick plus canoeing and rock climbing trips."

Mike, who now lives in Suffolk, said it was good to see the building still in use as a youth centre for the youngsters of Cleator Moor.