MEMBERS of a new volunteer care organisation celebrated this week when they held their inaugural meeting.

The group met for the first time at Ribble Valley council offices and members were honoured to receive a visit from Derek King, the chairman for the Council for Volunteer Services.

The Carers Link for Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area will provide support for elderly and physically challenged people.

Doreen Lightbown, a carer from Accrington, is pictured preparing to cut an special cake, watched by, from left, CVS chairman Derek King, Reg Steel, a former Ribble Valley carer and Brian Cushing, Carers Link chairman.