THE 40th anniversary of a Darwen Church's Ladies Group will be marked by members this month.

St Anne's Church, Turton, is preparing for the big day, on Wednesday, September 17, by rallying its members together for a party.

Marjorie Lomax, a group member, said: "We will be inviting lots of guests to the day and refreshments will be provided.

"We will be inviting the first ever chairman and secretary of the group and we do hope that all members, past, present and future, will be able to join us on the special night."

Church vicar Martin Short will attend the party at 7.45pm.

A Macmillan's coffee day will be held at the church on Saturday, September 27 from 10am to 4pm.

The day, run by St Anne's Brownies and two rainbows groups, will raise funds for the cancer charity.