DOZENS of residents descended on Eastleigh to celebrate the first birthday of a community group which aims to fight loneliness in the borough.

The Eastleigh Spitfire WI celebrated its first birthday with a tea party held at the Pavilion on the Park on Sunday afternoon.

Participants enjoyed tea, cakes and had the chance to win prizes offered by local businesses.

The group has been set up to reduce loneliness in the borough and give women a chance to make new friends.

Lorna Carter-Blake, treasurer of the group, said the group had enjoyed a successful first year of operation.

She said: “We had a really lovely time.

“It was a very pleasant event to celebrate our first birthday.

“This year has been very exciting and membership has grown month by month.

“We are trying to be active within the borough.”

The group is open to women of all ages and organises several activities throughout the year including fundraising activities in support of local groups and organisations.

They meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Cable Works in Eastleigh.

All are welcome.