A SOCIAL club which once feared it would have to close has celebrated surviving its first year without council funding.

Last year members of Club 60 protested at the Civic Centre against Southend Council, plans to scrap £40,000 funding for their two staff members. But one year on they are celebrating having thrived on their own by getting volunteers to do the work the staff members used to do.

All members were treated to either fish and chips or chicken and chips, and invited to take part in belly dancing, sequence dancing and line dancing.

Chairman Rochelle Colvin said she was surprised how well the past year had gone for the organisation which despite its name is open to anyone aged over 50. Southend mayor Ron Price called in to support the club.

The club now has about 325 members and the annual subscription is only £25.

For more information about the club call 01702 613562.