CREDIT worthy members took a Pendle savings and loans group to new success.

Nelson Community Credit Union recorded its 17th year of growth, with record results and membership breaking through the 1,000 barrier, the annual general meeting heard last night.

In his annual report, President Lou Gildea said the self-help organisation, which encourages thrifty saving and provides low cost loans to members, had seen assets pass the landmark figure of £500,000 for the first time - doubling over a four year period.

Loans to members also hit a record high - passing through the half million pounds mark.

Mr Gildea said the results showed a 10.6 per cent rise in savings and a 12.5 per cent rise in assets, with loans up 13 per cent and membership increasing by nearly six per cent.

He appealed to members at the packed meeting in Nelson's St John Southworth Centre to ensure the future strength of the union - East Lancashire's largest - by continuing to introduce new members and by using all the services of the union.

He said: "If we are to build we need to work together and totally reassess the value of the Credit Union, its value to every individual and every family in our community and determine to use available services to the full. As you well know, assets are a sound measure any organisation's strength and the stronger we are, the better services we can provide in our community."

Special guests at the annual meeting were the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle Colin and Julie Waite - themselves members of the credit union.

The union's annual charity donation of £250 was presented to the Mayoress's Appeal, in aid of Pendle Stroke Fund.

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