OVER the past 50 years they have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help those in need across Hampshire.

From placing a landmark clock in the town centre to helping povertystricken people across the world, Eastleigh Lions Club has raised £480,000 for worthy causes.

Tomorrow the group is celebrating reaching its half century with a dinner- dance.

Basics Bank, the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Southampton General Hospital and Hampshire child bereavement support charity Simon Says are among those that have benefited from fundraising by the group.

Its events include the annual Eastleigh Mardi Gras, which sees colourful groups walk the town’s streets with collection buckets.

In 1999 the Lions bought the fourfaced clock at the corner of Market Street and Leigh Road which sprang to life on the stroke of the millennium.

Former club president Philip Spearey said: “When the Lions first formed their club in 1964 Eastleigh looked very different. The town’s two main employers, the railway works and Pirelli cable manufacturers, were still employing many local workers and it was still recognised as a ‘railway town’.

“Today, in 2014, Eastleigh has modernised and embraced the hi-tech age with major business locating here. Throughout those 50 years the Eastleigh Lions Club has worked tirelessly within our community, raising money for good causes and helping organisations in many ways in order to fulfil our motto of ‘we serve’.”

Current president Wayne Irish said the club is looking for new members to join its current band of 18.

He said: “We have raised in the region of £100,000 in the past 12 years through barn dances, Santa’s Grotto, go karting challenges and other sponsored events.

“None of this would be possible without our members – ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

People can join in with the club’s celebrations tomorrow at a dinnerdance at the Botley Park Hotel in Winchester Road, Hedge End.

Guests include representatives from Eastleigh’s twin towns in France and Germany as well as the mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Brigadier David Harrison.

Tickets cost £40 including a threecourse meal with the Chris Walker Swingtet jazz band providing the musical entertainment.

Doors open at 6.30pm with supper served at 7pm. Ring 023 8061 5258 or email sylvia.hammerton@talktalk.

net for tickets or log on to eastleighlions.org.uk to become a member.