MORE THAN 250 people took part in a youth organisation's 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Boys' Brigade, 22nd West Kent Company, has been based at Eltham Park Methodist Church, Westmount Road, Eltham, for 50 years.

The company is still going strong and last month former members joined up with current ones for a reunion.

Some old recruits even travelled from Canada and Moscow to attend.

Former members, helpers and families sat down to a buffet lunch.

There was also a display of photographs, newspaper cuttings and 8mm movies of events the boys have been involved in over the years.

Captain Dave Hodgkiss, who has run the company for the past 33 years, said: "It was a fantastic day. We had members who were the first to join the company back in 1955.

"It was wonderful to see so many people. Members saw old friends they had lost contact with for many years."

The group is keen for other former members to get in touch. Call Adam Gillham on 07810 637020.