A FUNDING award allowed residents from the Springs estate in Bury to step back in time on a tour of one of the UK's oldest cities.

Members of the over 50s luncheon club from the New Springs Community Project were joined by other local residents of a similar age on a day out in York, courtesy of an £800 grant from the Sanctuary Group.

They enjoyed various activities, including trips to York Minster and the Roman baths, strolling round the markets, and a boat trip.

The fortnightly luncheon club provides a secure environment for the group to meet, share a meal and socialise, and the funding by housing and care provider Sanctuary will now mean the club members will also enjoy a festive feast at Christmas.

Wendy Banks, Sanctuary’s operations manager for the north, said: “I’m so glad the group enjoyed their visit to York. We are proud to work in partnership with local organisations so they are able to provide community-led projects such as this.

“This particular project allows residents to get together with their neighbours, where otherwise they may not have done so, and it’s great to hear it is so well attended.”

With a few spaces still available, any Springs residents aged over 50 interested in attending the luncheon club should contact Rachael Bamber on 0161 764 3375 or e-mail springscommunityproject@btconnect.com.