WEST Cheshire AC is throwing open its doors to anyone inspired by the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Ellesmere Port-based club is keen to see local people experiencing track and field athletics at the purpose-built facilities at Cheshire Oaks High School.

West Cheshire officials realise the enthusiasm that has been generated from the athletics coverage televised by the BBC during the past few weeks and they are encouraging local people to enjoy the sport.

Club chairman and coach Dennis Wall has sent an open invitation for people in the area to come and try sprinting, middle distance running, throwing and jumping events.

He said: “Thousands of people within the district of Chester and Ellesmere Port will have watched the Olympic Games in China and I’m sure many will have been inspired by what they have seen.

“The phenomenal sight of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt breaking the world record on his way to a superb 100m victory and the Jamaican women securing a 1-2-3 in their 100m final will have whet the appetite of those television viewers who have a craving for running fast.

“And there will be those people who appreciated the fabulous performance of British runner Mara Yamauchi, who finished sixth in the women’s marathon, or those who have followed the progress of Andy Baddeley in the 1,500m.”

Mr Wall added: “I started running after watching Seb Coe, Steve Cram and Steve Ovett compete at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and I’m now a qualified middle distance coach encouraging and helping members to enjoy the sport.

“Athletics can be enjoyed by people of every age, size and ability, and we’d like to make those people who want to try the sport as welcome as possible at their local track.”

The club caters for boys and girls aged nine years and above through to pensioners who attend training sessions at Cheshire Oaks High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6.30pm and 8pm.

West Cheshire was established 10 years ago and provides training and competition for its members all year round in the various disciplines.

Mr Wall added: “Anyone wanting to try athletics is always welcome to pop down to the track on one of our training nights – all you need is a pair of running shoes, warm clothing, and a bottle of water.”

Further details are on www.westcheshireac.co.uk

Fixtures this weekend include the North West Combined Events Open, incorporating the Cheshire U20 and Senior County Championships, at Sports City, Manchester, on Saturday and Sunday.

Entries close on August 26 for the Cheshire County Pentathlon Championships at Maccles- field on September 14. Email: rosalie.coombs@googlemail.com

Stephanie Owens smashed the 50m barrier for the first time when she threw the hammer at an open meeting held at Trafford, Manchester.

The West Cheshire AC member has powered her way to second place in the Welsh under 20 ranking list for the hammer and is currently ranked 19th in the senior ladies list for the event in the UK after hitting 50.12m.

Stephanie, who celebrates her 18th birthday next month, won the event at Trafford and surpassed her previous best of 48.69m.

She achieved her new personal best with her sixth and final round throw.

The result has arrived after she suffered a grade four triple ankle ligament injury which forced her to miss most of the current track and field season.

Stephanie, who lives in Buckley, is a Welsh Talent Development Academy athlete.