A GROUP of friends held a charity birthday party to celebrate becoming 60 this year.

Les Jewkes, Linda Wellings, Lynn Thompson and Julie Crawford met at John Street Primary School, Ellesmere Port, in the late 1950s and have remained friends ever since.

They decided to hold a joint birthday party to raise funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Ellesmere Port Hospital Equipment Appeal.

More than 300 guests attended the party at Whitby Sports and Social Club and raised £3,880.

James Franklyn sang, Charles Kibbey provided a disco and DoubleTree by Hilton, Chester, provided its services free of charge, while Brian Hanrahan prepared and served a buffet.

Alfie Scorer led the organisation of the party.

Lynn said: “Thanks go also to everyone who attended the party and helped to raise such a huge sum and to those who couldn’t attend but sent donations too.

“A great night was had by all.”