A FORMER Olympic cyclist has celebrated his golden wedding.

Des Robinson, 75, and wife Beryl, 70, of The Maltings, Mirfield, marked the big day with a party for family and friends. They are pictured now and on their wedding day.

Ravensthorpe-born Mr Robinson rode in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics with his younger brother, Brian. He also competed for numerous world titles and became the national champion.

He was a draughtsman at Hopkinsons valve-makers in Birkby, later joining the family woodworking firm.

After he retired from competitive cycling Mr Robinson became a design draughtsman and college lecturer in Wakefield.

He joined the Huddersfield Road Club in his youth and quickly became club champion. He won the Isle of Man International Race in 1949.

That victory heralded the start of his international career.

Mrs Robinson was a pharmacy assistant, then a doctor's receptionist.

The couple met at a drill hall dance in Mirfield when Mrs Robinson was 17 and Mr Robinson 22.

They married at Christ Church, Battyeford.

They have three daughters and five grandchildren.