One of Hexham's most popular sports clubs will mark its 50th anniversary this summer. 

Hexham Squash Club was established in 1974 and was formed by a number of founder members who contributed a sum of money towards the building cost of two courts, believed to be around £18,000.

As we reach 2024, the club, which is based at Hexham Golf Club, is now hoping to attract members new and old to a celebratory barbecue event on September 7. 

Paul Satow has been a member since the club opened and now his two daughters are also involved. 

Speaking to the Hexham Courant, Paul detailed some of the club's finest achievements over the past five decades. 

He said: "There have been many significant achievements over the years with many club teams winning their respective leagues in the Northumbria leagues. The club has provided many County players over the the years. Individually our member Adrian Alderton has won the O60 and O65 Welsh championship and regularly represents Wales in home internationals. The club provided three junior girls who represented Dame Allan's School in winning the National School Championship in 2018. Annabelle Satow has competed at national level throughout her junior years, was part of the England Squash junior pathway and achieved a personal best ranking of seventh in the country."

The current committee are attempting to reach out to as many previous members as possible to encourage them to come along to next month's barbecue and reminisce. 

Paul added: "The club is preparing a history of the club over the years and displaying this in the Club house at the barbecue. The club is also organising a match "Captain's team vs Chairman's team" with some invitational players. Amongst the line up is Bryan Beeson former World No 11 and 14 times County Champion."

Despite running for 50 years now, not much has changed at the club over the years, other than in 2010 when a refurbishment saw new floors and a new entrance door fitted.

Over 100 people in Hexham are currently members, with 27 juniors, but the club are always looking for new players.