A MEDICAL expert and life peer returned to his home town yesterday to help a men's club celebrate a landmark anniversary.

Lord John Walton was guest speaker at Spennymoor Probus Club's 25th anniversary lunch, held in the Whitworth Hall Hotel, near Spennymoor.

Lord Walton was born in Spennymoor, where his father was a headteacher.

He has become one of the country's most respected neurologists and medical lecturers, and has held positions with many medical groups and charities.

He spoke to 24 members at the lunch about his work around the world and his role in the House of Lords. He also congratulated the group on 25 good years and wished members luck for the future.

The club was formed on April 8, 1979, as a social group for 40 retired professionals and businessmen who meet fortnightly for talks or outings.

Member Tom Vickers joined after he retired as a retail operations manager for the North Eastern Co-operative in 1986.

He said: "Lord Walton was a very good speaker and fitting that such a special guest, who is from the area, should help with our anniversary celebrations. It was nice to mark the date with a special event and thank the founders members for their hard work through the early years."