Mayor of Wakefield Councillor Brian Bullock welcomed the squad - who have risen from the depths of the North of England League division three to UK League first division with six consecutive promotions - to the Town Hall.

The squad, which includes Commonwealth Games international heptathlete Kerry Jury, World Veterans pole vault champion Jenny Cunnane, international 1500m runner Shirley Griffiths as well as a number of county team members and champions, have reached the pinnacle of national athletics.

"We have enjoyed some phenomenal success in recent years and Wakefield Council decided to recognise that. It was a super evening and many of the squad were able to attend", said Terry Ridsdale who helps to run the senior squads with womens team manager Jack Howie.

They also have strenghth in their depth, with their U20 womens squad also providing a number of members of the senior squad as well as competing at national level in their own right.

But in order to maintain their progress, the Harriers desperately need to find a major sponsor or group of co-sponsors.

With the cost of travel, a number of overnight stays, the cost of physiotherapy along with all the junior teams to look after, the club needs help.

"We have a number of elite athletes joining us and others wanting to come to Thornes Park, but we desperately need financial help.

"We can offer companies a sponsorship package which would not cost them as much as they might think and they would be guaranteed a lot of high profile exposure in return."

For further information contact the Sponsorship Secretary Terry Ridsdale on 01709 874864. Alternatively details can be passed on to Terry via E-mail to this site.