VOLLEYBALL players past and present came together to celebrate a club’s 40th anniversary.

Haughton Volleyball Club, in Darlington, marked their milestone with a tournament between former and current members at the town’s Dolphin Centre.

The club was launched in September 1975 by PE teacher, Jackson Sweeting – now the club’s chairman – and some former students of Haughton School, in Darlington.

The sport quickly became a popular lunchtime activity and members decided to play competitively and entered the Teesside Volleyball League.

The club has since grown and recently launched a satellite club session at Carmel College, which attracted 20 new players who will enter the Tees Valley League for the first time this season.

They are also hoping to increase volleyball participation around Darlington, and run weekly sessions for adults at the Dolphin Centre.

Volleyball England relationship manager Samantha Jamieson said: “Haughton Volleyball Club are one of the most progressive clubs in the region.

“Their willingness to engage in new activity is a breath of fresh air and the club provide a very stable base for volleyball development in Darlington and the surrounding area.

“The vast majority of this work is volunteer-led and delivered with great professionalism. They are a great asset to North-East volleyball.”

For more information visit haughtonvolleyballclub.weebly.com