IT HAS been a source of enjoyment for hundreds of pensioners in a Basingstoke suburb – and now a senior citizens club has celebrated its 40th birthday.

More than 60 residents attended Westside Senior Citizens Club, based at the Westside Community Centre, in Paddock Road, South Ham, to mark the milestone with live music, cream teas and plenty of cakes.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Martin Biermann, and his mayoress wife Chansopha were the guests of honour at the event, and they congratulated members on helping to create a “thriving” club.

Among those singled out for special recognition was Jane Nipper, who has been going to the club for 31 years. The 92-year-old South Ham resident told The Gazette: “I have been coming here for so long because I enjoy it.

“We do a lot of different things like playing cards, bingo, or going on outings to Bournemouth and Swanage. It is a lot of fun being here and I am not quite sure what I would do without it.”

Cllr Biermann said: “I am delighted to have come here because it is obviously a thriving association. There is a really good spirit and I do think the fact it’s been going 40 years shows they have been doing something right, not just for the immediate community but beyond that.”