A FORMER leader of a church youth club is hoping to mark her 85th birthday by organising a reunion.

Daphne Clarke is holding the gathering at Waddington Street United Reformed Church in Durham, across the city from the Claypath church where she started the club in the late 1970s.

The Friday evening meetings started with seven youngsters and grew to more than 80 people from different churches in the city or no church affiliation at all.

Mrs Clarke, who now lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire, said: “They were welcome so long as they had started school and knew a little bit about discipline”.

“There was no upper age limit.

“We had a policy that each member was to care for others, particularly those who were younger.

“It worked extremely well and meant that we had very few adult helpers.

“It couldn’t happen today - health and safety would never allow it.”

The reunion will take place on Saturday August 26 between 2pm and 5pm.

Anyone who hopes to attend is asked to contact Mrs Clarke on 01748 822651 or via clarkerichmond@btinternet.com