YOUNG farmers in Clitheroe are preparing to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

The 140-member group will host a dinner dance to mark the occasion at Mytton Fold Hotel, on April 25.

Around 300 members from the past 70 years of the club will gather at the Ribble Valley hotel to celebrate.

Former National Federation of Young Farmers president Lionel Hill will be guest speaker.

Richard Whitwell, club chairman, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the club to have been around for 70 years and I really hope that it’s around in another 70 years.

“It’s one of the best youth organisations going and it really sets you up for adult life. The range of activities, such as debating, gives you a whole range of skills.

“Everyone is looking forward to the big night and it will be great to mark it with former members from throughout the club’s history.”

The 25-year-old former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil, who lives in Simonstone, is part of a five-strong organising committee for the celebration night.

Meanwhile, the Lancashire Federation of Young Farmers will celebrate their 76th year on Saturday, February 1 at Ferraris Country House in Thornley, Longridge.

County chairman Jess Townson said: “It is wonderful to see so many members keen to be involved within the federation and to come together to celebrate our success.

“Young Farmers is an excellent organisation to encourage members, aged 10 to 26, to come together and learn some excellent skills, which can be put to use in all manners of social and working life.”