The Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Keith Watson, held a civic reception for Brighouse Town Football Club last week at Halifax Town Hall.

Town had been invited after clinching promotion last season from the KoolSport Northern Counties East League Division One in only their second season in semi-professional football.

Councillor Watson congratulated them on this achievement and said that they liked to recognise what sporting clubs and individuals had done and at the same time brought credit to the district of Calderdale.

He handed over to Coun Colin Stout, who said the late Nigel Wilson's dream had been realised.

Wilson took the club from being a works side at Blakeborough Sports and Social Club into the West Riding County League and always dreamed of seeing the side climb the football pyramid.

He said on top of promotion, Town had become the only club in Brighouse in the history of football to reach the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup.

"This well run club has also rallied round after the fire in August that caused devastation at their St Giles Road ground and bounced back extremely well and on the field are going great guns again.

"They have done all this though their own endeavours and without any council grants and I congratulate them on behalf of everyone in Brighouse and district."

After a meal the party looked at the Calderdale civic regalia and club chairman Chris Lister expressed thanks.