THE Whalley and District Lions club has been resurrected after an absence of more than 10 years.

The club, which has been busy recruiting new members, was originally founded in 1968 but was forced to disband in the 2000s.

The group was the principal organisers of the Whalley Pickwick Night when it was founded 26 years ago before handing on the responsibility to the Whalley Chamber of Trade who created a standalone organising committee.

After holding a recruitment drive in September, the new group’s first event will be at the annual Pickwick Night on Thursday, December 4, selling mulled wine.

The group has said that its aim is to provide more volunteer help in the committee and to put something back in the Ribble Valley village for the benefit of everyone who lives there. The new group joined 53 others across the North West and currently has eight members.

Meetings will be held at the De Lacy Arms in King Street on the second Monday of the month, from 7.30pm.

Ian Clare, who looks after the membership of all the groups in the North West said: “I’m tremendously excited that a new Lions group has been set up in Whalley. We are aiming to get to about 20 members and I think that’s really possible.

“Everyone is looking forward to taking part in the Whalley Pickwick Night and I hope that lots of people sign up then.

“The group set up the annual event 26 years ago and it’s great that the Lions will once again be involved.

“Two members of the organising committee have also joined the group which is great news.

“I think it’s amazing that a community like Whalley has accepted a new Lions group into the village and that people are willing to serve the community as a whole.

“The old group had been around for many many years and it used to be very active in the area.

“I’m hoping that this group will follow in their footsteps.”

Coun Terry Hill, who represents the village on Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “I think that it’s great news that the club has been reformed.

“When I first moved to the village 20 odd years ago it was a thriving group.”

“I wish the group well and it has my full support.”

l For more information search Whalley and District Lions Club on Facebook or call Ian on 01772 684054 or 07801 717846.