A BOLTON sports' club has celebrated its 100th anniversary - as the country's oldest badminton club still playing.

Bolton Badminton Club was formed in 1901-- when lady players wore long skirts and the national association was still in its infancy.

In 1971, its members were invited to leave their Silverwell Street drill hall home in the town centre to join players at Markland Hill tennis club at Heaton.

And that is where a special plaque has been unveiled to mark the club's centenary.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby and Mrs Alice Kilcoyne, joined guests including the president of the Badminton Association of England Bill Andrews, vice-presidents of the Lancashire County Badminton Association and officials of the Bolton Badminton League and Markland Hill LTC for the event.

Club chairman Roger Taylor recounted a few of the club's highlights - including its County players and England players Chris Hunt, Bridget Cooper and Brian Wallwork.

And about the occasions when Markland Hill won the national club championships in consecutive years to represent England in the European championships.

The plaque was presented by Keith and Lyn Bolton, the longest-serving members of the club -- on Keith's 70th birthday.