An era has ended at West Cheshire AC with stalwart Dennis Wall stepping down as chairman after 15 years in the post.

But Wall, 51,  will continue at the club he helped form, serving on the committee  as press officer and developing his role as coach co-ordinator.

“It was time I stepped aside,” he said. “It’s all about new ideas and fresh faces, otherwise the club will stagnate.”

Stagnation has not been possible under Wall’s guidance. He was a driving force behind the 1998 amalgamation of Chester and Ellesmere Port AC (CEPAC) and Whitby Heath AC into the highly successful West Cheshire AC.

The club was able to develop the Stanney track and under his  chairmanship has continued to grow, with 500 members aged from eight to 80.

In 2007, West Cheshire was named Sport England Community Club of the Year.

Stuart Clarke was appointed the new chairman at the annual meeting at Chester County Officers. Secretary Dan Gilroy and treasurer Stephen Rimmer will continue in their posts.

Meanwhile, West Cheshire youngsters have celebrated a team success at Leek.

Tamsin O’Keefe, Anna Crayston, Hollie Jones, and Molly Jones secured the under 11 girls top spot at the final round of the North Staffs Cross Country League held at Westwood High School, Leek.

O'Keefe finished second in six minutes 58 seconds, ahead of third-placed Crayston (7:04), ninth- placed Hollie (7:39), and 17th-placed Molly (8:10), and West Cheshire grabbed success in the overall team competition standings.

Over-60 veteran Dave Hough was the overall winner in his age group category after posting 44:50 at Leek.

Evan Roberts achieved third spot in the U15 boys race with a time of 17:34, ahead of Harri Britton (17th in 22:05).

Adam Howe (eighth in 6:58), Ben Grinter (10th in 7:02) and Dylan Bugg (21st in 7:20) completed the U11 boys race to earn West Cheshire AC third team position.

Sion Roberts (10th in 10:40), Jac Goodall (13th in 10:52) and Rory Willson (40th in 13:17) earned West Cheshire seventh position in the U13 girls team event.

Issy Clarke fought her way to the U13 girls finishing line for eighth position in 6:48, ahead of Beth McMahon (16th in 7:16), and Ellie Finn (32nd in 8:02) to earn their club fourth team position.

Issy’s sister Katie clocked 11:22 for seventh spot in the U15 girls race, and Ellen McMahon posted 26:06 for 10th spot in the U17 women’s race.

Dave Alexander rounded the senior men’s race in 33:05 for fifth place in the over-40 age group and 18th position overall, ahead of Andrew Clague (50th in 35:05).

Tom Booth celebrated success at the Sale Harriers Indoor Meeting held at Sportcity.

The U23 junior who is a student at Central Lancashire University, Preston, won his heat of the men’s 600m with a time of 1:33:29.

Emily Ball won the U17 women’s shot put competition with 10.51m, and Maisie Tipping finished third in the U15 girls 60m with a time of 8.77 seconds, posted 10.05 seconds for third spot in the 60m hurdles, and achieved 4.12m in the long jump.