A COMMUNITY group had a right royal knees-up to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Members of the Friendly Faces group, set up last year to help reduce social isolation in the town, gathered at Radcliffe Borough FC last week for the celebration.

Guests, including the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Mike Connolly, were delighted with the royal-themed tea party for the special occasion and enjoyed a memorable afternoon.

Cherella Young, the group's founder, said: "A few members made the suggestion the previous week about celebrating the Queens birthday, so I wanted to make it an afternoon to remember and it definitely was.

"I contacted local bakers and want to say a huge thank you to Julie Gately of Sugarby Cakes, Jemma Louise Gibbs of Cakes by Jemma, and Dorothy of Black Lane Bowling Club for their very generous cake donations.

"We invited the Mayor and were very excited when he accepted our invitation. He really got into the spirit of the party and joined members in a dance and has since said he thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and how lovely it was to meet everyone in such a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

"A huge thank you to my amazing volunteer, Margaret Yates, she is completely devoted to the group and always goes above and beyond.

"Also massive thank you to Paul and Sally Crawley - without them Friendly Faces would have no home.They really went out of their way to help make the afternoon extra special, even rolling out the red carpet.

"To see all the smiles and everyone dancing, singing, and having such a wonderful afternoon was an incredible feeling. It really was an afternoon I don't think any of us will forget in a hurry."

The group has gone from strength to strength since it was launched last summer and Ms Young is hoping to further boost its presence in Radcliffe.

She added: "The group is making a huge impact on the local elderly community and it is clear to see how many people benefit from coming along each week.

"It literally is a lifeline in so many cases.

"I really hope the group can continue to grow and hope to spread the word so more people can benefit from coming and having that regular weekly contact that enables them to make new friends in such a lovely atmosphere."