AN ancient social organisation hopes to stage its first events in 40 years after a recruitment drive in the Durham City area.

Durham Oddfellows is considering setting up a new branch covering the Bowburn and Shincliffe area after more than 100 people expressed an interest in joining.

Nigel Stock, from the Durham Oddfellows, said: "We hope to see as many new faces as possible for an informal get-together. After a long absence, it will be great to get an Oddfellows branch up and running in the area.

"Many people remember the name Oddfellows from the past but don't realise that, nowadays, we are a little like a youth club for the over-50s, the ideal place to make friends and help people, and everyone is welcome to attend."

The Oddfellows, which dates back to 1810, was initially set up as a support organisation in the days before the welfare state, when members looked after each other.

Today, the organisation mainly organises social events, such as theatre trips, quiz nights or treasure hunts, but also a number of fundraising events.

Two informal get-togethers are planned for the coming week. Anyone ineterested in joining the organisation can attend the Bowburn Hall Hotel at 7.30pm tomorrow, or the Rose Tree Inn, at Shincliffe, at 2.30pm, on Thursday.