VOLUNTARY groups celebrated their past year's community achievements on Friday at a 'thank you' gathering in Leigh Town hall.

Around 100 representatives from local groups including St Joseph's Over 60's, Higher Folds-based childcare organisation Agape, Leigh Lions, the Over 50's Forum, Pensioners Link attended the event.

Guests included Euro MP Terry Wynn, Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Wilf Brogan and Leigh Forum chairman Cllr Brian Jarvis.

The event featured a performance by children from St Thomas's Primary School and the showing of a video produced by 'Parents Need Parents'.

The invitation only Derby Rooms event preceded an exhibition in the nearby town hall, where visitors learned more about the grants on offer to community and voluntary organisations.

The Mayor said : "I am delighted to be opening 'The Big Thank You' event, which is the first of nine planned for each township area of the borough over the coming months. It's an opportunity to celebrate the excellent work taking place within the voluntary and community sector in Leigh, and a chance for people from all kinds of organisations to get to know one another and appreciate what has been achieved through working together."