The oldest amateur rugby league club in the world has finally had the chance to mark its 150th anniversary.

The original date for the celebrations at Millom was December 2 but the arrival of heavy snowfall meant that the party was put on hold.

Having looked to find the best time to reschedule the festivities, the club was able to bring together stalwarts from its past and people from the community for an evening event on Saturday.

Craig Evans, the chairman of Millom Rugby Club, said: "The evening was attended by nearly 150 past and present players, committee members, sponsors and their partners. 

"It was opened with a moment's silence for the many people connected to the club who are no longer with us followed by a few out of the many thousand historical facts and highlights of the club's history."

The Mail: Players from all parts of Millom's history gathered for the eventPlayers from all parts of Millom's history gathered for the event (Image: Stephen Leece)

Letters of congratulations from both HRH King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were the highlights of the night.

The club's oldest former player, Jack Philips at the age of 96, accepted the letter on behalf of the team alongside Millom Town mayoress Simone Faulkner.

Read more: Millom Rugby Club get message from King for 150th birthday | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Mr Evans added: "We then heard from five former players of different generations talking about their careers and their time at the club, from the days when the team played at Salthouse Road up to today. 

"The fantastic questions were put to Lenny Middleton, Jim Bawden, Graham Dumpy Lupton, Peter Date and Thomas Sibley by another long serving club stalwart Vernon Edmondson."

The Mail: Stalwarts from the club were recognised for their contribution over the 150 yearsStalwarts from the club were recognised for their contribution over the 150 years (Image: Stephen Leece)

Ronald Dongy Coulson was presented with the 'Peter Jordan Volunteer of the Year' memorial trophy for his 'continuous and unseen work'.

"The evening gave chance for old team mates to have a catch up with old friends that they may not have seen in a few years and relive rugby moments and remember characters that had fondly affected their lives," said Mr Evans

"There was a great number of old photos doing the rounds with some memories being greatly tested trying to remember and identify certain players."

The club thanked those who turned up for the celebration and Aggregate Industries for sponsoring the historical event.