A club which has been providing friendship and companionship for villagers for nearly 60 years is calling for new members.

Poringland Good Companions Club, which will mark its 60th anniversary at the beginning of next year, offers people over 65 the chance to meet new people and make new friends.

The club meets every Thursday afternoon for tea and biscuits, bingo and a general get-together. Open to people living in Poringland and the surrounding villages of Framingham Earl, Framingham Pigot, Bixley with Arminghall, Caistor St Edmund and Stoke Holy Cross, the club has seen its numbers fall from 50 to 36 over the years.

It is now hoped more new people will join.

Pam Kemp, 78, who has run the club for 10 years, said: 'I've tried to keep the club the way it's always been; the members like the way it is now and they enjoy what they do.

'They enjoy the company and we have a good laugh. We always have entertainment at our birthday party and the Christmas party and I get caterers in at the Christmas party.

'We don't have too many new members but we are trying.'

Mrs Kemp joined the club after her husband John died. She is supported by a committee to help run the group.

The club meets at 2pm every Thursday in Poringland Community Centre, Overton's Way.

Is your community group celebrating a significant milestone? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk