A PARTNERSHIP between a sports club and school is set revive athletics in Droitwich Spa.

The town's athletics club, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is ready to move forward in leaps and bounds now that it uses the six-lane 400-metre track at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill.

Formed in 1978, the club trained and competed on a track behind the leisure centre, also in Briar Mill. But when that was closed seven years ago the club floundered, particularly in its younger membership.

Treasurer Martin Smith said: "Initially it was quite a thriving club. When they closed the track we lost the youth section and could not promote the club. It was kept together by adults and veterans."

"Now we have the track at Droitwich Spa High School, we want to start a junior section. I think people are probably not aware that the facilities are there and are available for public use."

The junior section was re-launched with 12 qualified coaches at Christmas and training took place in the school's sports hall. Last month the group, currently with 17 members, moved on to the track ready for the summer and meet there between 7pm and 8pm on Tuesdays.

Many of the youngsters come from the high school or local middle schools but anyone can join and it's free.

Success has been quick as the club has entered the Midlands division two of the Young Athletes League and on Sunday, May 18, put an U15s team into a competition in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

They have also been asked to host the next meeting, on Sunday, June 29 at Nunnery Wood, Worcester, and are looking for qualified officials to help them out.

One major problem the club faces though is funding. The high school has spent the best part of £220,000 on its track, throwing areas and storage space and the club itself has provided £400 worth of vests.

But neither is a bottomless cash pit and the club is looking for sponsorship. They did put in a bid to Sport England earlier this year but were rejected.

Director of sport at the high school, John Humfress, said: "The attraction of athletics is the breadth of opportunity to try different activities. It's a very social sport."

For details on the club, or to sponsor them, call Martin Smith on 01905 770991.

DROITWICH Spa finished fifth at the latest meeting of the Young Athletes League Midlands Division Two.

Spa took a number of first places and scored 137 points overall at Sutton-in-Ashfield on Sunday, May 18.

Selected results.

800 metres A

2nd Stephan Buinsters 2 minutes 23 seconds.

800m B

2nd Adam Thomas 2mins 54secs.

Javelin A

1st Leanne PArrish 20.16m.

Javelin B

1st Tanya Hill 17.28m.

Long Jump A

2nd Stephan Buinsters 4.92m.

Long Jump B

1st Ian Young 4.62m.

80m hurdles A

1st Ian Young 13.7secs.

80m hurdles B

2nd Glen Buijnsters 18.6secs.

Javelin A

1st James Wones 30.51m.

Javelin B

2nd Craig Hunt 15.17m.

Shot A

1st Shaun Caines 9.27m. Shot B - 1st Ryan Woolley 8.79m.

Discus A

1st Shaun Caines 23.02m.

Discus B

2nd Criag Hunt 15m.

Discus A

1st Samantha Terry 19.49m.

Discus B

1st Leanne Parrish 15.65m.

High Jump A

1st James Walford 1.6m.

High Jump B

1st James Wones 1.55m.

1,500m A

2nd Adam Thomas 5.15minutes.