A social group for Morden residents celebrated their first anniversary this week with lunch and a birthday cake at Lower Morden Baptist Church.

Friends in Lower Morden enjoyed a home-made lunch on Monday which was served to them by the leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis.

The group is run by volunteers and was formed to allow residents the chance to enjoy good company with old friends and to make new ones.

Group member, Jean Marshall, said: “I love coming here and seeing my friends, and I’m also looking forward to being able to enjoy the activities that are being organised.

“We’ve got a great team of volunteers who cook the lunches for us and joining in with the rest of the group is always great fun.”

Cllr Alambritis joined in with the celebrations, giving a brief speech before lunch and helping to cut the cake.

He said: “It’s important groups like this exist, giving people a great place to go and make friends and have a good time.

“Although we live in a lively borough that’s part of a bustling capital city, many people are lonely so groups like Friends in Lower Morden, which are open and welcoming, play a huge part in helping people get out and about and making it possible to enjoy life.”

The group is planning lunches, day trips, games evenings, keep fit exercise sessions and holiday breaks over the coming months.

To find out more about joining the club, email Mary Curtin on mary_curtin@sky.com.