A BROMSGROVE club will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and hopes to encourage new members to join in its activities.

Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club was formed under the guidance of Fred Whitehouse, of Hopgardens Avenue, Bromsgrove.

It welcomes retired or semi-retired men from a professional or business background, to take part in activities such as golf, snooker, bowls and walking.

"We've gone from strength to strength since we started," said Fred, who will also celebrate his 80th birthday this year, "Back then, we had just seven members and now we have nearly 50. We are a very friendly club and always welcome new faces."

As well as sporting activities, members also invite their partners to lunch on the first Wednesday of each month and dinner-dances are arranged to take place throughout the year.

Special events are being planned to mark the anniversary, and chairman, Peter Andrews, of Arundel Road, Bromsgrove, said: "We already do so much, it is difficult to fit everything in, but we are looking forward to an exciting year, welcoming new members and planning special activities to celebrate our anniversary."

Membership is £12 per year and anyone interested in joining can contact Peter Andrews on (01527) 871154.