A JOINT celebration was held in a Worcestershire village for the anniversary of a friendship club and the woman who founded it.

Irene Holloway set up the Friendship Club 30 years ago in Shrawley, and fellow members threw a surprise party in honour of her and to celebrate the club's anniversary.

"I was gobsmacked. It was not what I was expecting," said Mrs Holloway, from Pound Meadow,

She said they had a lovely day, which included a party and meal at the village hall.

"I started it with a friend because back then there were a lot of elderly people in the village and they would have something to do.

"We used to go on a lot of trips, like to the seaside but now we don't because most are over 80," said Mrs Holloway.

The club used to have 45 members but now it is down to just 14, who meet every fortnight.

Mrs Holloway, who is 69 years old and has lived in the village all her life, stressed the club was still active, holding events such as bingo nights, flower shows and harvest festivals.