MORE than 50 local people turned out for an inaugural meeting of the Bidford and District History Society, prompting organisers to hail it as a "great success".

Chairman John Cole informed visitors that monthly meetings would be held on Friday evenings at Bidford church hall where members would be able to hear speakers talk about local history.

The first speaker arriving in September will talk about Anglo Saxon Bidford as well as subjects of general historical interest, ranging from local dialects to portrait painting.

The group also hopes to organise visits to a range of historical places next summer.

Jane Hall said: "The evening proved to be a very enjoyable social occasion as people chatted over a glass of wine and looked at the interesting array of local memorabilia and old photographs of the village provided by Rodney Crompton.

The first formal meeting will be held on Friday, September 29. Further details about the group from Jane Hall on 01789 772217.