A group set up in Alsager and the surrounding area to encourage lifelong learning is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Alsager & District U3A (University of the Third Age), part of a national and international voluntary learning organisation, was launched in 1998.

And organisers of the Alsager branch, which has nearly 1,000 members and 59 groups, are busy preparing the special anniversary celebrations.

They include a concert at St Mary's Church in Alsager on October 15th featuring the group's orchestra who will be playing music from the stage and screen.

St Mary's Church, Alsager where the concert is taking place. (Photo: Alsager Nub News)

There will also be a special open morning on November 27th between 10 am and 12 noon at Alsager Civic.

Alan Bell is chair of Alsager & District U3A. The group is open to anyone no longer in full-time employment and aged 55 and over.

Alan, a retired PE teacher, got involved in U3A when he moved to the area and wanted to join a table tennis group.

"I was looking for something to do and came across U3A and have been a member ever since," he said.

"We have so many groups and classes from Ancient Greek to yoga, French and knitting. There is something for everyone. 

"We must be one of the biggest groups in Alsager. Our numbers just keep on growing."

Classes take place at different venues across Alsager and it costs just £5 a year to join at the moment.

Further details about the group are available from their website here