A GROUP marked 50 years of protecting Pershore’s heritage by going back to the place it all began.

Pershore Civic Society celebrated the milestone with a dinner for 40 guests at the Angel Hotel in High Street, where the group held its first meeting on November 12, 1959.

Chairman Andrew Clasen, who has lived in Pershore for 35 years, said it was a “brilliant occasion” and the night was enjoyed by all.

The dinner also marked the launch of Janet Daniels and Marion Freeman’s new book Pershore Places, about the town’s past.

Pershore Civic Society was founded to represent the interests of residents and ensure good standards in new developments in the town while preserving important existing buildings.

It also aims to encourage greater awareness of local history and promote civic pride.

For more details about the society, visit pershorecivicsociety.org.uk.