WICKFORD Rotary Club celebrated 55 years of existence with a special celebration.

The group met for the club’s 55th anniversary at the Chichester Hotel, Old London Road, Rawreth, and during the evening, were treated to a performance from a local choir, toasted past presidents and looked ahead at events planned for the next year.

Over the past year, the group has raised thousands for good causes, such as a £2,500 donation to St Luke’s Hospice, £5,300 to the Essex Air Ambulance and £7,500 to leukaemia and lymphoma research.

Phil Brown, of the club, said: “It was a brilliant evening and it was to thank past presidents, some of whom have lead the club on more than one occasion, for their leadership and on-going support that makes Wickford Rotary the great club that it is.

The evening was rounded off by the Encore Harmony Singers who are a group of eight gentlemen that entertained in the barbershop style of singing.”