RESIDENTS in St Helen Auckland are raising a mug to the beginning of a regular social event in the village.

Selby Close Community Association has organised coffee mornings every other Tuesday, and the first took place earlier this month.

More than 20 people attended the first session, where they chatted to friends, met new people and played bingo.

Christine Wilson, who organises the events, said that all money raised from the bingo and raffle goes towards providing day outings for the regulars.

Trips planned this year include an all-day spa visit and a day in Blackpool.

Mrs Wilson said: "Everything we raise goes back into the pot for the people who come along, so we are trying to raise funds. As well as that, it is a nice social interaction for them."

The coffee mornings run from 10am until about noon, at Selby Close Community Centre, and the next one is on Tuesday, March 6.