HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Galpharm Stadium to honour one of Huddersfield’s finest sons.

A civic reception was held for Derek Ibbotson, 50 years to the day after he broke the world mile record.

The Berry Brow man completed the course in 3min 57.2secs in front of a crowd of 40,000 people at London’s White City Stadium on July 19, 1957.

The record-breaking effort was the highlight of Derek’s career, which also included a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

He was joined at the Galpharm on Thursday night by Kirklees mayor Clr Jean Calvert and council leader Clr Robert Light.

Derek, who went to King James’ School in Almondbury, said: “I feel very fortunate because I was also honoured by Huddersfield Town Council when I broke the record. They gave me a beautiful rose bowl and named a block of flats after me near the sports centre.”

The reception included a buffet and speeches from Derek and Clr Calvert.

The former sprinter also presented the mayor with a photo of him crossing the line at White City 50 years ago.

Derek remembers being confident going into the run.

He said: “I had nearly broken the record a few weeks before in sweltering heat at Ibrox. The White City run was in the cool of the evening, so I was very confident of breaking the record. I knew I was going to do it.”

Thirty-six children from nine local schools also attended the reception at the English Partnership Suite.

Derek presented them with certificates for completing the Golden Mile Challenge in May.

The event at Leeds Road Playing Fields saw teams of youngsters trying to match Derek’s 1957 time in relays of up to 16 runners.

Derek said: “I think it was an excellent idea, it really showed the children what you can achieve if you do the right training.”

Some 200 people attended the reception, including 39 guests of Derek.

He said: “I was really chuffed when the mayor said I could bring people along, so I asked family, friends and six or seven people from my old club,Longwood Harriers.”

The 75-year-old, who lives in Ossett, has long since hung up his running shoes, but keeps active by playing golf and walking his dog.

He said: “To this day I don’t have a bit of fat on me.”