A WOMEN’S group is reaching out to other ladies who find themselves in need of help.

The Inner Wheel Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary and, to celebrate, groups across the country are donating items with wheels to good causes in their community.

The Bishop Auckland branch has donated toys, a pushchair and a child’s bike to the Wear Valley Women’s Aid (WVWA), which runs a refuge in the town.

President of the Inner Wheel Club, Jean Nesbit, said: “We are celebrating 90 years of friendship, fellowship and voluntary service.

“We make a donation to the women’s refuge every month and will continue to donate to support them.”

Louise Brown, director of WVWA, has worked at the refuge for 22 years.

She said: “We rely completely on the generosity of people like the members of Inner Wheel.

"This is a good opportunity to acknowledge all of the good work they do.”

The women’s refuge provides emergency accommodation, support and advice to women and children who have been subjected to domestic violence.

The refuge, on Etherley Lane, has enough room for three women and up to six children.

Ms Brown said: “Women and children often come to us with nothing more than the clothes they are standing in, so these donations will make an immediate difference to their lives and we are so grateful.”

The WVWA accepts donations of practical items such as clothing, bedding and toiletries. They can be contacted on 01388 600094.