MEMBERS of Westhoughton Townswomen's Guild marked their 50th anniversary in fine style.

They had a celebratory dinner at Brookfield Masonic Hall along with a slice of birthday cake.

The meal was followed by a talk from Marjory Hall, former chairman of the National Federation of Townswomen's Guilds.

Awards were also presented to long-serving members.

Mrs Dorothy Morris received an award for being a member for 30 years, Mrs Belle Fisher and Mrs Joan Heap both received awards for 20 years of membership.

Westhoughton guild secretary Margaret Rothwell said: "Joining the guild is a good way to make new friends. We have a lot of fun at our meetings and have some very interesting speakers."

The guild has more than 60 members and meets in the Assembly Rooms, Tithe Barn Street, Westhoughton, at 7.30pm on the third Monday of every month.

Its social studies group meets on the fourth Monday of each month during winter and the ladies play bowls on Wednesday evenings in the summer.

The guild also has a scrabble club and an arts and crafts group, which meets every other Wednesday.