SHUTTLEWORH in Ramsbottom Women's Institute had a special celebration to celebrate a landmark anniversary.

The group celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 7 at Ramsbottom Fire Station with a number of special guests.

Mayor Cllr Mike Connolly and his consort Ian Hargreaves joined chairman of the Lancashire Federation of Women's Institutes Shirley Thornton, the commander of the fire station, Phillip Hall, and members past and present for the anniversary celebration.

President Dorothy Gunther said: "This is no mean achievement and we should all be very proud of Shuttleworth in Ramsbottom Women's Institute. I am delighted that along with some of the original members of the groups that some of the daughters of the original members who are unfortunately no longer with us were able to attend the celebration along with past members and representatives of other WI's within Bury and the surrounding area."

The group started its life in St John in the Wilderness Church Hall in Shuttleworth 50 years before it moved to Ramsbottom.

Guests at the celebration enjoyed a special spread of food but on by volunteers and a cake which was decorated by Kystyna Dabck, a member of the group.

Ann Stephenson, whose late mother was a founder member, was given the honour of cutting the cake.

After enjoying the food the guests sung the WI's anthem Jerusalem before looking through photo albums depicting the institute's history.

The group meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Community Room at Ramsbottom Fire Station at 7.30pm, all are welcome.