A VOLUNTEER-run group with more than 900 members has celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The Worcester Area Group for the University of the Third Age (U3A) gathered at Christopher Whitehead Language College in St John's on Saturday afternoon to celebrate 30 years since the group started in the city and to look back on the group's past.

The U3A was founded in France but spread around the USA and the UK by 1982, and the Worcester group started in 1985 with only six members.

Val Hibbitt, the outgoing chairman of the group, said: "We have more than 900 members and around 100 interest groups now. Over the years we have grown and I'm so pleased to see there is so much enthusiasm about the group."

Groups members gather regularly to take part in various interest groups, including groups dedicated to music, art, study, walking, sports, singing and games.

Members also go on trips abroad and on day trips around the country.

The U3A choir performed a number of songs before a birthday cake was cut and served with tea.

Joan Prout has been a member of the U3A for three years.

"I found out about the group through someone at a country dancing class I used to take. At the time I had been complaining about the lack of things for older people to do in Worcester," she said.

"I joined the U3A and haven't looked back. It's fantastic and affordable, because we run all the things ourselves rather than hiring tutors. I run a play reading group because I worked as a drama teacher for years.

"There are things for older people in Worcester, but a lot of it is geared towards helping people overcome frailty, whereas we are all about having fun. Sure, the learning helps keep the mind running but it's a wonderful way of meeting people and learning something new. My husband, who had never really done anything musical, learned to play the ukulele with the U3A.

"We have such a diverse age range of members too, from people in their 60s to members in their 90s, and there is something for everyone to enjoy."