REDDITCH Special Olympians and distinguished guests gathered at Arrow Valley Social Club for their annual presentation evening on Saturday night.

Town mayor Jack Cookson and councillor Dot Dudley both attended the event along with supporters of the club to celebrate the achievements of 2004.

Special Olympics Redditch chairman Trevor Garner started the evening off with a speech before Mr Cookson addressed the 100-strong audience.

He said: "Credit must go to all those who make the night possible but also to the participants.

"It's doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's the taking part that counts and I'm very proud to see so many here."

It's a special year for the Redditch club as they prepare to travel to Glasgow for the 2005 Special Olympic Summer Games and a special mention went on the night to skiier Edward Burdan.

Edward will be jetting off to Nagano in Japan for the Special Olympic Winter Games.

Special Olympics Redditch is still appealing for money before they make the trip to Scotland. Anyone who would like to help should call Ron or Elaine Daykin on 542831.