A MONTHLY community newsletter run by volunteers celebrated its first birthday on Saturday.

The booklet was started by a group of residents who wanted a publication that specifically concentrated on what was going on in the areas of Yorkley, Pillowell, Viney Hill and Oldcroft.

The team has grown from five people to 13 – with each delivering a total of 1,000 copies.

To mark its first anniversary, members invited residents to a celebratory coffee morning at the Yorkley Community Centre.

As well as being a celebration, the event raised around £200 to support ongoing printing costs. There were also homemade cakes available to buy, games for children, a raffle and a bric-a-brac stall.

Jeane said: “It has been a steep learning curve for us all. We began the newsletter with an idea to tell the community about local events, but without funds or publishing expertise.

“However, along the way we have received sponsorship, donations, advice and help from residents and organisations, without which the newsletter would not be the success that it has now become.

“We were delighted that so many people turned up to celebrate with us. The amount we raised will pay for one month’s printing costs.”

Chair of the community centre, Sharon Freeman said: “Over the last year, we have been delighted with the response and impressed by the dedication and hard work put in by Jeane, Jackie, Vlasta, Betka and others. I know that they work hard as volunteers to raise funds for printing each month so a very big thanks from all of our community.”