ONE of the area's 'best kept secrets' is celebrating 50 years of helping people in need.

Accrington Lions commemorated half a century working for people young and old in the area recently.

The voluntary group serves the Hyndburn community in various ways including helping youth projects and assisting families in distress.

The group currently has 12 members and is 'one of the youngest lions groups in the country'.

President May Edmundson, who has been part of the group for four years, praised the impact they have had over its history.

The 46-year-old said: "I think we are one of the best kept secrets around.

"People come to us and we are very confidential, we are not very good at blowing our own trumpet.

"The Lions were there for me when I needed them and the work they do is just incredible.

"We are a family and it is hard to put into words just how much good it does.

"Each year we raise tens of thousands of pounds and help hundreds across the area."

She highlighted recent work by the group of fundraising to help two local children with cerebral palsy get special chairs to assist their movement.

They also hold a yearly toy appeal at Christmas time to give gifts to children up to the age of 17 from deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 2015 the scheme helped 174 children and last year had to be capped at 250 people due to its popularity.

Each year the group also holds a fundraising charity boxing night at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors each December.

The 49th event is set to be held this year after around £5,000 was raised at last year's event.

This year, the group hosted its third annual World Down Syndrome Day event at Mount Carmel RC High School which featured former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson and raised almost £2,000.

The Lions also helped host Accrington Carnival from the 1980s until 2015 and attracted stars such as Michelle Keegan in 2013.

Looking to the future, Mrs Edmundson is hopeful the group will continue to keep up its work in the area and attract more members.

The mother-of-two said: "We have got one member who recently got his 45 years pin and then we have had a new member join who is 18.

"We have one of the youngest lions groups, the average age is only around 30.

"It is the more the merrier for us in terms of members.

"The more diverse group the better, that is what will give us the ideas to take us on to the next 50 years."

The group meets on the second and fourth Thursday each month at Sparth House to discuss ideas. Anyone is welcome to come along.

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