A HODDLESDEN Mothers' Union group will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.

Members of the St Paul's MU have been looking back at past events and discovered the earliest recorded event was a tea party on May 10, 1910.

They have also staged other events including a picnic to Southport, sales of work, social evenings, outings to Blackpool and London, concerts and parties, as well as a visit to the house of Mary Sumner, the founder member of the Union.

In October 1928, the group became part of the Blackburn Diocese with around 80 people enrolled as members.

In a look back at the history of the group, current member Margaret Riley said: "We have been looking back through what records we have.

"And our earliest records of the branch of MU at St Paul's is May 1910 when we came under the Manchester Diocese.

"In 1933 there was mention of Mrs Jenkinson holding a party which was a huge success.

"It left us thinking that this must be Alice Jenkinson, as she is our oldest member topping more than 70 years of MU membership.

"We hope to follow this up next month with a word or two from Alice."

The next meeting of the Union, entitled Seek and Sell, will be held at 28 Eccleshill Gardens next Tuesday.