MEMBERS of a flower club gathered to celebrate its emerald anniversary with a special lunch meeting.

The Darlington Flower Club was formed in 1958 and meets monthly in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall for workshops, presentations and demonstrations.

To mark the 55th anniversary members enjoyed a lunch at Bannatynes hotel, in Darlington, followed by a talk by Catherine Hart and a celebration cake.

Originally known as the South Durham and North Yorkshire Flower Arrangement Club when it was founded by Dorothy Arnett, the club changed to its present name in 2001.

Before it settled in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall the club had moved around venues in the town, including Elmridge Church Hall and the Blackwell Grange Hotel.

The club has also raised funds for worthy causes across the decades, particularly through the Spring Fling event, which has been held every year since 2003.

The next flower festival organised by Darlington Flower Club will take place at St Edwin’s Church, in High Coniscliffe, on June 28, 29 and 30.