OAKFIELD Community Centre on Brettell Lane in Brierley Hill has marked "60 fantastic years" of serving the local community and welcoming tens of thousands through its doors.

As well as the centre itself marking its diamond anniversary, the popular Over 60s group based at the centre is also celebrating 60 years of calling Oakfield home.

Dawn Bowater, who runs the Over 60s group, said: “We’ve got a really fantastic group here at Oakfield, and the venue has looked after us brilliantly over the years.

“We like to have fun and many of us have built lifelong friendships here. We’re proud of our club and really grateful for all the support that has allowed us to carry on running for 60 fantastic years.”

Carole Scandrett-Price, who has been chairperson at the community centre since 2004, added: “The Oakfield centre is immensely proud of our over 60's group and the valuable support they give to their members. They are also the centre's longest-running group an amazing achievement.”

Councillor Adam Davies, who represents the Brierley Hill and Wordsley South ward where the centre is located, joined the group for the celebrations.

He said: "Community centre volunteers and group organisers across our area deserve huge credit for the work they do week in and week out. They help give hundreds of local people of all ages opportunities to socialise, book parties and enjoy the company of others with similar interests.

“The team at Oakfield Community Centre and the Over 60s group are a shining example of a thriving community centre and it’s been great to celebrate with some of these great people.”