A HERITAGE group has celebrated three decades of success with a celebration evening.

Horwich Heritage was set up by Stuart Whittle with his friend Geoff Waine 30 years ago, as a response to the closure of the Horwich Loco works.

The celebration event, at the organisation's own premises in Horwich Resource centre, saw 85 members attend and enjoy a presentation given by Mr Whittle about its history.

There was even a birthday cake to mark the occasion, which was cut by Cllr Ken Denton, the Mayor of Horwich.

The society has gone from strength to strength over the years, and since moving into the centre in 2006, the former barracks rifle range, it has put on 75 exhibitions, produced 15 publications and 15 films.

It has a monthly programme of speakers, as well as organising trips and walks, and an annual craft and gift fair.

The centre is open to the public every weekday from 2pm to 4pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm.

Mr Whittle said: "We had a wonderful celebration of 30 years of Horwich Heritage, when 85 members turned up to remember how we had come from such small beginnings to a vibrant society with over 160 members and our own Heritage Centre — which is the envy of many other heritage societies, and unique in this part of the country."

Celebrations to mark the special anniversary have also included an open day and exhibition at the centre last month, which featured a range of photographs and artefacts documenting the society's progression and significant events over three decades.

During its 30 year existence, the society has organised the VE Day 50th anniversary bonfire on Rivington Pike in 1995, hosted commemorations in 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Hill air crash, and marking the 100th anniversary since the start of World War One by researching soldiers from Horwich who fought and died in the conflict and unveiling a new roll of honour in their memory.

MrWaine as well as fellow members Carol Walker and Norman Pendlebury have been given Horwich Civic Medals for their work and Mr Whittle has been given the Rotary Club’s prestigious Paul Harris Award for service to the community.