Five decades of providing assistance to the community has been celebrated by one of North Somerset’s most popular charitable groups.

Yeo Valley Lions, based in Yatton, marked its golden anniversary with a dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House.

More than 100 guests attended, including members and former supporters, plus partners.

The Lions president, Geoffrey Bland, has been a member for 40 of the 50 years the group has been running.

He told diners about its formation in 1968, which coincided with some of the worst floods the area has seen, with large parts of Congresbury submerged underwater.

So, almost from the very start, the Lions began making a real difference by helping the community recover.

Other projects the Lions has been involved in over the years include providing a minibus service and opening a playground for children with special needs.

Director Phil Nathan, representing the International Association of Lions Club of which Yeo Valley is a member, thanked the members past and present for what they had achieved over the years and also emphasised what the organisation as a whole does worldwide. The movement celebrated its centenary in 2017.

Mr Nathan presented Yeo Valley with a certificate to mark its anniversary, signed by the Countess of Wessex.

Ian Pullar, who is the only member of the Lions to have served throughout Yeo Valley’s whole existence, also received a certificate – plus a tasty cake.

A Yeo Valley Lions spokesman said: “Following Brian Winter’s formal welcome to the partners and guests the chairman of Yatton Parish Council, Jonathan Edwards, thanked the club for what it had done for the community during those 50 years and wished them continued success for the future.”

It has been a busy few weeks for the group, having handed out thousands of pounds to schools and youth groups at its annual presentation night earlier in the month.

More details of the projects the club is involved in can be found at www.yeovalleylions.org.uk