MILLIONS of stitches after local sewing enthusiasts first formed the Bolton branch of the Embroiderers Guild the group is celebrating its 20th birthday in style.

It started when City and Guild students under the tutorship of Mrs Barbara Demaine formed a 54-strong group called Connecting Threads.

Six months after, it became affiliated to registered charity the Embroiderers Guild, and began a programme of events, speakers and visits which has spanned the past two decades.

In 1988, a group for very young embroiderers was started, and the following year the group moved to Bolton College at Clarence Street which became its home.

Members have organised a number of exhibitions throughout Bolton, and have undertaken commissions for Bolton Hospice and for the Royal Bolton Hospital, where their work hangs in the main entrance. To celebrate the anniversary, members have also created individual parts of a memorial tablecloth, and a special exhibition of their work is on display at Sweetens Bookshop in Deansgate until Saturday.

Bolton Embroiderers Guild meets in the third Tuesday of the month, with additional Saturday workshops. Ring 01204-300902 for membership details.