HALF a century ago, Great Harwood Roller Hockey team was a force to be reckoned with.

During the 1950s, the players went undefeated in a league match for an amazing eight years and were actually crowned World Champions.

In 1954, Norman Mercer was named the most outstanding player in the 1954 world championships.

To honour the players, Great Harwood library is currently staging an exhibition of the triumphant team and players.

Memorabilia from those days, including medals, trophies, photographs, certificates, roller boots and an original hockey stick, will be on show, following the presentation of a new display case, by the Rotary Club of Great Harwood and Rishton.

David Aspden of Great Harwood remembers his time in the team in the mid fifties, especially 1956 when they won all before them, picking up the English Cup, North Midlands Cup and the Northern League title.

He had taken up the sport after completing his national service in 1954 and his fellow players included Albert and Tommy Birtwistle, John Banks, Norman, who was also the captain of England, Duxbury, Morton, Johnny Welsh, who played for 40 years, Alan Barton and McDermott.

The team trained and played home games at the town's Savoy skating rink, owned at the time by Norman's Father Len and their strips were orange and black squares.

Said David: "I remember Johnny Welsh being magic' with his hockey stick and I used to call him maestro."

The team, formed in 1948 had a big following and a coach of fans always travelled to away matches in support.