FORMER players and supporters of Park Royal Football Club are being invited back for a reunion.

The club, originally know as Knapp FC, joined the North Devon League in 1980-81 and played for several seasons.

Next month they hope to bring the old team-mates back together for a nostalgic evening.

Playing at Knapp House in Northam, the club won the fourth division in their first year, then moved to Victoria Park in Bideford where they became known as Park Royal.

The first team were eventually promoted to the senior division and one of their finest results was a 3-1 win against Hatherleigh in the Devon Senior Cup. In later years the club expanded to include a reserve team.

Steve Watson, the former secretary and second-team manager, said: "It was only around for a short period but we had quite a lot of players through the two teams.

"We had a really good social thing going as well.

"In the second year, when we set up as Park Royal, we had to more or less buy everything again.

"As a fundraiser we did a Super Stars weekend with swimming and squash over two days and pub games in the evening."

After matches, the players used to socialise in the Heavitree Arms in Bideford.

Lol Chappell, a former professional with Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers who has since died, supported the club as his sons Andy and Martin both played.

Bill Douse, now in his eighties, was one of the founder members and is expected to travel back from London for the reunion.

Other past players and members are urged to get in touch so a date and venue can be arranged.

To find out more, call Steve Watson on 01237 476697 or Phil Leather on 07972 613572.