[2] Born in Doncaster from a working-class background,[3] he was a member of the Doncaster Plant Works Athletic Club,[4] later having a successful career in the City and reaching the position of Chairman of Noble Lowndes.

[5] Shenton came to public attention in 1950 with a series of good performances, culminating in a place at the European Championships as a replacement.

Described as the "boy from nowhere", he set a new personal best in the semi-finals of 21.6s, in the finals beating off the challenge of Étienne Bally.

[8] He won the silver medal at the 1954 European Athletics Championships in Berne, Switzerland in the men's 4x100 metres relay,[9] alongside George Ellis, Kenneth Jones and Kenneth Box.

[10] Memorabilia from Brian Shenton's athletic career was included in an exhibition of Doncaster's local Olympians in celebration of the London 2012 Olympics.