LANCASHIRE'S Pearly King and Queen David and Jill Atkinson enthralled the ladies of Billington and Langho W.I. with the story of how they gained their title.

The couple came to the meeting in their outfits, which contain 25,000 pearl buttons, all hand sewn by Jill, and told of their involvement with rescuing ill-treated dogs over the years, and of their work for charities.

Their pet dog 'Shula, an Afganhound, who loves being dressed up, also came along to show off her own pearly outfits, which Jill has made for her, mostly matching her own clothes.

All were hand sewn, and most of them made with thousands of sequins, beads, buttons and ribbons.

Jill told the group that when she became a senior citizen she started to learn to tap dance. She finished the evening with four routines.

Lilian Hargreaves gave a vote of thanks. The competition for three homemade cookies was won by Ann Osliffe, Barbara Siddall was second, and Jean Baldwin third. The raffle was won by Doreen Gibson and Ann Paley. Birthday flowers were presented to Keely Robertson.

Several members had attended the spring council meeting at Southport and enjoyed the humorous talk given by Rev Canon Roger Royal. Bonnie Kramrisch gave a report of the meeting.

Some members have been busy attending craft classes in pewter work and making greetings cards.

The next meeting will be held in the community Hall on Monday April 15 at 7.45pm, when the speaker will be Julie M Brandon, who will give a talk on Roses & Castles - The Art of the Canals.' The competition will be for a decorated plant pot.

New members very welcome.