A club based near Kendal has been celebrating five decades of providing a social network for people in the area.

On Thursday, September 26, members of Kentside Probus Club and their guests met at Crooklands Hotel for a dinner to mark the 50th Anniversary since the society's founding

Chairman Barrie Atkinson, formerly a director of Hadwins Electrical on Finkle Street in Kendal, welcomed the large collection of people and was presented with a medallion to mark the occasion.

A spokesperson from the club commented: "The diners were very well entertained after they had eaten by the Kendal Big Band, who played a lively medley of swing classics.

"A raffle, which was supported by prizes generously donated by local businesses, also raised over £350 towards the North West Air Ambulance fund."

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The Air Ambulance service is the chosen charity of this year's chairman and is in line to receive over £1,000 from the club by the end of the year.

Probus clubs are organisations for retired men and women who want to maintain a social network with others who have similar interests.

The term 'probus' stems from the professional nature of those typically involved in creating and strengthening the groups.

Worldwide, there are said to be 4,000 clubs supporting over 350,000 regular members.

The Kentside group has around 40 members who are all retired and drawn from a wide range of businesses and professions.

As well as holding monthly lunchtime meetings at The Villa in Levens with guest speakers, it also organises competitive and non-competitive activities including walking, putting, ten pin bowling and ice curling.

The group comes together on the third Wednesday of every month at their home near Brettargh Holt.

More information about Kentside Probus Club for anyone interested in joining can be obtained from Nigel Martin by emailing nigelpaulmartin@gmail.com.