MORE than 100 Darwen over-50s gathered at Derwent Hall for the first of a series of get togethers to give their lives a bit of extra fun and friendship.

The ‘Winter Warmer’ included music, bingo and a meal.

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Borough older people’s champion and Sunnyhurst councillor Brian Taylor hopes it will be the first of a series of ‘Just Good Friends’ events across the town in coming months.

Key council staff were on hand to advise those who attended on health safety, health and how to keep warm.

More than 100 over-50’s were entertained by singer Joyce Kearton before a bingo competition with prizes including £20 vouchers for The Mall shopping centre in Blackburn. They were also treated to a meal of pie, mash and vegetables and a fruit crumble. Ms Kearton was supported by 1950’s and 1960’s covers band The Recycled Wrens.

The event, part of Blackburn with Darwen borough’s ‘Your Call’ scheme, aimed to bring people over 50 together, to meet up with old friends, make new ones, and boost community spirit.

Cllr Taylor, said: “We want older people in the borough to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, with opportunities to spend time with their families and friends or take part in activities that benefit them and their wider communities.

“I hope this event has given everyone who attended a real boost and I am sure some new friendships were made. I hope to repeat this event in the near future.”

Representatives from the borough’s Falls Prevention Team and Telecare service were on hand to help with information on staying safe and well this winter.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Kate Hollern said: “This is a really special event and it exceeded all expectations.”“It was wonderful that so many people came along and really enjoyed themselves. “It is really important that we try to help older people have fulfilling lives and help them to meet other people.“Part of ‘Your Call’s building stronger communities and closer ties in Darwen and the borough Transport was provided by Dial-a-Ride, picking up guests from residential homes, sheltered housing and houses all over Darwen, taking them to Derwent Hall and then taking them home again.