Ashby Ivanhoe Football Club celebrate their 75th anniversary this year - and will be staging a series of special events to mark the achievement.

But they have no intention of standing still after a decade of progress which saw them move to their own ground in Lower Packington Road in 2010.

Founded by Ray Sherwin and Charlie Tissington Senior, the families remain in the club to the present day. 

Charlie's son has been involved with the club now for over 40 years and has recently had the main stand named after him - with the club describing it as a fitting tribute to a dedicated man. 

Life started at Hood Park, which is where all home games were played between 1948 and 2010.

The exciting move to their own premises enabled Ivanhoe to expand significantly - and they now field 34 Senior and Junior Boys/Girls teams.

They also have a thriving development and soccer school providing over 450 young players with the opportunity to play football every week. 

But the club have even more expansion plans for the coming years.

This season has seen the team challenge for promotion from Division One of the Midland League - and the long-term aim off the field is for them to become a community club serving the town.

Ashby Ivanhoe's home since 2010 - the NFU Ground in Lower Packington Road. Photo: Ashby Ivanhoe FC

Now the club want to celebrate the achievements of the past 75 years, while also looking to the next 75.

The first event will be a club comedy evening at the Lyric Rooms in Ashby on March 30, with two guest comedians and a finger buffet being provided.

That will be followed by Ashby Ivanhoe's first ever junior football tournament which will take place at their NFU sports ground on Lower Packington Road on May 20-21.

On June 24, there will be a Summer Festival - a first for the club - held at the club's ground featuring live music and local bands along with local crafts and artists. A selection of food and drink will be available.

The grand finale will be a sportsman's evening held at the Lyric Rooms on November 30. 

You will be able to enjoy a two-course meal while listening to guest speakers Micky Quinn, the former Premier League striker and racehorse owner, and John Stiles, a comedian and son of the late 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.

Tickets to purchase for these events will be available soon through the club.

AIFC CIC Director, Jon Emmerson, said: "This is a very significant milestone for the club and one for all involved in the club, both past and present, together with the wider community of Ashby de la Zouch to be proud of. 

"We wanted to make sure we did something throughout the year to celebrate it.

"We have also produced some 75th anniversary club merchandise, polo shirts and hoodies, to mark the occasion. These can be purchased off the club website."

David Morris, AIFC Chairman added: "It's a time for looking back at the significant achievements made, but there's also a lot to look forward to with what we're doing on and off the field at the moment, and we look forward to the next 75 years."