TWO Women's' Institutes which went their separate ways at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 have reunited after more than 60 years.

With both the Hill and Moor and Fladbury WIs losing members, officials decided it was time to reunite.

The new organisation, which will be known as the Fladbury and Moor WI, met for the first time last week.

Kate Fisher, of Fladbury WI, was delighted by the development. She said: "Both groups were short of members and we thought rather than letting the WIs die out, it would be better if we came together."

Hill and Moor WI was initially created in 1939 when a large group of members separating from the Fladbury group.

Eve Ravenscroft, of the Hill and Moor group, who has been a member for more than 20 years said: "The WI has a lot of historical importance for many women, as it did for my mother who was a member during the war.

"We thought it would be better to join with Fladbury as there are only 12 of us now. By joining it means there will be more of us available to help out and hold more events for the organisation."

The 83-year-old said she was looking forward to attending the meetings every other Monday.