CHESTER Civic Trust members celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner at the city’s Queen Hotel.

Guest speaker was author and broadcaster Lucinda Lambton who toured Chester the following day with her husband Peregrine Worsthorne, former editor of The Sunday Telegraph, and trust committee member Philip Harrison.

Vice president Stephen Langtree said: “They didn’t really know Chester but were very impressed and plan to return.”

The dinner was also attended by Chester MP Christine Russell, Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr John Ebo, Lady Mayoress, Miriam Ebo, Sheriff of Chester Cllr Hilarie McNae and Cllr Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Founder members of the trust James Latham and Cyril Morris were presented with commemorative plaques.

The civic trust was formed in 1960 following a public meeting at the Blossoms Hotel and is concerned with the preservation and new development of Chester. To find out more, visit www.chestercivictrust.org.uk.