A STROKE club in South Oxfordshire has celebrated its 21st birthday.

Wallingford and District Stroke Club, which aims to 'help survivors engage with life again', was first set up in 1999, and celebrated the anniversary in Crowmarsh Village Hall last week.

Sue Tregaskes, a physiotherapist who observed how Stroke victims were left with limited support after hospital treatment, helped to set up the group with local support, before Veronicka Port took charge for around 18 years.

The group are now looking for new members, following the 21st party, which featured Charis Anne Luke singing songs from musicals and love ballads.

Club secretary Nigel Hessey said: "Her singing was delightful. We then tucked into party food and a little later our birthday cake was cut & consumed.

"The purpose of the club is to help stroke survivors resume as near normal life as they can. Our focus is on socialising and having fun.

"In the winter months we meet in Crowmarsh Village Hall for entertainments and activities and in the summer we get out and about - teas in delightful gardens, pub lunches, river cruises. This year a Natural History Museum visit is planned."

The club, which has a dedicated team of volunteers, are often able to offer members transport but are looking for a couple more drivers to help out with Thursday meetings, which normally take place once a month.

To get in touch with the Stroke Association affiliated group, contact Chairman Norman Goodall on 01235 834503 or Mr Hessey, on 01491651114.