A COMMUNITY group has celebrated its 10th birthday.

Grateley Village Friends gathered at the village hall, in Station Road, to mark the milestone.

Members enjoyed a celebration lunch and welcomed mayor Janet Whiteley and county councillor Pat West, who was mayor when the club opened on 17 March, 2004.

The group – which holds regular events – is now run by Chris and Shirley Stevens and Christine and Peter Bye and has 25 members.

Mrs Stevens told the Advertiser: “It’s nice that the villagers have supported us over the years. Some of the members here today are original members.”

Mr Bye said: “We try to put on a varied programme and have had some terrific speakers, magnificent cream teas and memorable barbecues.”

The village friends developed after Grateley Seniors Club was disbanded due to the ill health of its organiser Bill Towns.