Women’s Institute members came together to celebrate their group's 95th anniversary with a 1920s-style party.

The group in Romanby, near Northallerton, was formed in 1928 and now has 80 members and a waiting list.

It marked its anniversary with a party for members and two guests from the regional body, the North Yorkshire East Federation of WIs.

Members were invited to dress in 1920s fashions for the occasion, and its hall was decorated in black and gold paper chains, fans, and banners. Romanby WI owns its own hall, which is used by the community much like a village hall.

The timber hall was built in 1939 and is still in great condition.

During a toast at the event, current president Samantha Jennings, 37, described her pride at being part of Romanby WI.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Romanby WI has members aged in their 30s to 90s, Romanby WI member Vikte Lionikaite pictured with

“It’s thanks to all the women who’ve been part of Romanby WI in the last 95 years that we are stood here today. From those first founding members to each and every one who has been a part of it since.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Romanby WI Hall is a much-loved space, used by the community for a range of clubs and classes,

"We stand on the shoulders of their hard work, commitment, and passion. I’d like to thank them all, I’d like to thank you all today, and all the women who will be part of the WI in the future. We are part of an amazing force, locally, regionally and nationally.”

During the event the names of the founding committee members were read aloud, and photo albums of past members and events were displayed. The first ever general meeting of Romanby WI was held on October 23, 1928 at the Dairy Institute, no longer standing. Fifty six members paid their subscription and Mrs Adele Watson was elected as president.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Sue Ward was tasked with the organisation of the celebration, coordinating everything from the menu

The WI is enjoying a national resurgence with, many long standing branches becoming more popular and new groups being formed. In North Yorkshire East Federation, Pickering WI was reformed last year and is now thriving. Next door to Romanby a new WI is in the process of being formed in Northallerton. At the coast a new WI has been proposed for Filey.

To find out more about the new Northallerton WI, a second interest meeting is taking place on Wednesday, July 26 at 7.30pm in Northallerton Town Hall.