A GALA Dinner was the highlight of Wellington Rugby Club's 150th year celebrations.

The sell-out dinner, attended by more nearly 350 members, guests and friends, was held in a marquee at the Athletic Ground.

Former international players Mike Teague, Peter Winterbottom and Dean Richards were the headline speakers.

Club president Matt Colman described the dinner afterwards as "a brilliant event for the club and for the whole community.

"Much planning went into the dinner and it was great to see so many people there," he said. "Here's to the next 150 years."

Wellington RFC is one of the oldest in the world. It was formed in1874 by Harry Fox, doyen of the family that was instrumental in shaping the town as it is known today.

The club's first game was against Taunton Independent College and took place on December 12, 1874.

The club has produced six internationals, numerous county players and is proud of the many players who have gone on to represent such sides as Bath, Northampton and Richmond. H T Gamlin played 15 times for England and played more than 50 games for Somerset.

Fifteen of its players died in the First World War and another ten were lost in the Second World War.

Wellington has some of the best facilities for a club of its size in the Westcountry and has a superb minis and junior section. Many of its present lst XV players have come up through the club's youth policy.

The club is very much at the heart of the Wellington Community.