A GROUP serving the needs of older people in South Craven is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The South Craven Over 50s Forum is made up of volunteers who meet at 10am on the third Monday of the month, at the Sutton-in-Craven Community Centre, North Street, to discuss issues affecting older people.

The group's regular roadshows at St Peter's Church in Cross Hills feature tables with experts who talk about key issues affecting older people, such as pensions, energy saving advice and care.

Secretary Barbara Smith, 80, has been involved with the forum since it first met at the end of 1994.

The group held its first roadshow the following spring.

"These roadshows are a good place to get advice," said Mrs Smith. "It's an opportunity to meet people who might be of help to them, as elderly residents do like to know about these issues."

She also pointed out the social benefits of the forum, which she said "enables older people to get out and meet other people".

The forum is run by a small committee of about a dozen people, but with the average age being the late 60s the group is always looking to attract younger members.

Chairman Gill Birks was keen to pay tribute to Barbara's hard work, which has served the group well for the past 20 years.

"Barbara has done a fantastic job of keeping this going over the years," said Mrs Birks. "She deserves every accolade because she's worked hard to organise everything.

"In doing so, she has helped a lot of people get help on various issues that are of use to them."

"In some areas, people are paid to do this but this has been entirely volunteer led."

For more information or to join the forum, contact Gill Birks on 01535 634097 or Barbara Smith on 01535 632083.

* The forum's next roadshow at St Peter's begins at 10am on Wednesday, March 20.