A STITCHING and knitting group is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The Memory Lane Stitchers Group, who meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church in Leigh and has around 20 members, was set up in 1993.

An advert was placed in the Journal by one of the founding members, Marian Catterall, asking stitchers to meet at the old Memories shop on Leigh Road.

Since then they have had bases at Leigh Cricket Club and the old scout headquarters on Union Street.

As well as Marian, two other founding members, Julie Gregory and Sally Dodd, still attend.

The group carries out a number of projects for different causes including Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

They also lend their support to Derian House Children’s Hospice by cross-stitching cuddle cushions as a keepsake for parents after their child has died.

Julie said: "It is brilliant for a little group like us to be going for this long.

"It is great being part of a group like this and to discuss the different projects we have been doing for different charities and community causes.

"I have made a lot of friends over the years here and I would encourage anyone with an interest in stitching and knitting to get involved with us."

The group, which has an £8 annual fee and costs £2 for each session, meet on the first Monday of every month from 7pm to 9pm. This includes tea and cake.

For more information contact Julie on 01942 608646.