THERE was a double celebration as a Ross-on-Wye group marked its 37th birthday and honoured two long-standing members.

The Ross Lions Club granted honorary life membership to Mel Middlecote and Cyril Powell, who had both served 35 years, at the group’s birthday party at the Old Court Hotel in Whitchurch.

Mr Middlecote has been president of the club five times, chairman of many club committees and zone chairman twice. Mr Powell is best known for organising the Ross Lions bonfire and firework display, and both were presented with their accolades by Lions president Keith Wilding.

Long-service chevrons were also presented to Jim Hamilton for 25 years, Roger Kinsey-Smith for 20 years, Bernard Fowkes for 20 years, Graham Watling for 10 years and Paul Nicholls for 10 years.

The awards were presented in front of 60 guests including Nigel Griffiths, headteacher of John Kyrle High School, and members of neighbouring Lions clubs. The evening also included dinner, speeches and dancing to Little Sisters.