A CHARITABLE group is celebrating its golden anniversary this year with a concert.

Consett Lions was formed on October 29, 1962, by the late William Westgarth to raise money for good causes within the community and around the world.

It is part of the worldwide Lions organisation and still going strong 50 years after setting up in the former steel town.

Treasurer Eric James, 75, from Shotley Bridge, who has been involved from the start, said: “It has made tremendous difference because we have helped an awful lot of people and still do. Younger generations and new people in the town may not be aware of the group and these are the people we would like to join us.”

The club meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Steel Club in Consett at 8pm to discuss how to raise money and worthy causes to donate to.

Vice presidents Mike Rogers said: “New members are always welcome. We would like to encourage young people to come along because we always need new ideas and need new blood.”

An evening of music featuring Consett Brass, conducted by David Jackson, and Take Note, from the NE Solo Singers Academy are performing at St Patrick’s Church Hall on Saturday November 3 at 8pm. Tickets costing £5, £3 concessions, can be booked by calling secretary Les Storey on 01207-508-779.