A CELEBRATORY dinner will be held to mark the 50th anniversary of a popular ladies’ group.

The golden anniversary of the Cockerton Methodist Ladies’ Group is being celebrated with a series of events taking place throughout 2015.

The group was formed in 1965 by Nora Errington, the wife of the then minister of Cockerton Methodist Church, in Darlington.

Mrs Errington formed the group to give young wives and mums the opportunity to socialise and have fun.

Today, the group is still going strong with 45 enthusiastic members and a choir that has taken part in numbers competitions and festivals.

The choir also provides entertainment for church-goers and at residential homes throughout County Durham.

Daffodils planted in honour of the group’s birthday will soon flower on Cockerton Green and their eventual flowering will mark the beginning of a season of celebrations.

On Sunday, May 3 a special anniversary service will take place at the church, which will also host a concert from the ladies’ group choir on Saturday, May 9 from 7pm.

The festivities will conclude with an anniversary dinner at Bannatynes Hotel in Darlington, taking place on Tuesday, May 12.

Tickets for the choir concert will be £5 to include refreshments and can be obtained from members.

All proceeds will be shared between the church and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Places at the anniversary dinner for past and present members cost £16.95. To book, contact the group’s secretary on 01325 350264 by Saturday, April 25.