EDDISBURY MP Stephen O’Brien was the guest of honour at the opening of the newly-formed Tarporley Opal Club last week.

During afternoon tea at their base – Deeside Ramblers Hockey Club in Tiverton – volunteers and residents gathered for the launch of the club, which stands for Older People at Leisure and meets every Friday from 10am-3pm.

The club replaces the previous day centre run by Age Concern, which announced last year they would be withdrawing funding for the service.

A campaign by volunteers to keep day care centres open led to the forming of the Rural Community Services Group, which has also helped to keep clubs running in Tattenhall, Kelsall, Helsby and Malpas.

Mr O’Brien, who backed the campaign, said: “What a wonderful celebration and reward for a brilliantly conducted campaign by volunteers, staff, the members and the community providing an even better service.

“I was thrilled to be part of what our communities do best which is to work together and look out for each other.”

Tarporley parish councillor Gill Clough added: “We are all so pleased we’ve been able to carry on providing a club for older people.

“I’m pleased with the location of the club, it’s such a nice place to hold the club meetings.

“And we are always looking for older people who find it difficult to get out and about to join us, and for volunteers to help us run the club.”