HALESOWEN Athletics and Cycling Club's Manor Abbey stadium was officially reopened last Sunday after refurbishment work.

The venue returned to the cycling calendar after six weeks to host the Dudley Grand Prix, the latest leg of British Cycling National Hard Track Endurance League.

Courtesy of £180,000 grant aid from Sport England with the help of the facilities team from national governing body British Cycling, the Stadium — which also affords accredited facilities for tennis, athletics and weight-lifting — has new safety fencing and floodlights on its cycling track and a repaired surface.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Dudley, councillor Steve and Mrs Jayne Waltho, attend the opening as well as special guests Bernard Hopkins, Graham Rees, Steve Jones and Dave Watkins.

Mike Whitehouse, the grandson of the club's founder Jack Price, was also invited.

Dave Viner, from the club, said: "We had a lot of members and former champions who were able to connect with our younger members. It was a great occasion."