MORE than 50 villagers turned out to have "Tea at the Ritz" as part of a community archive project in Mickleton.

People dined on cucumber sandwiches, cakes and scones at the event in The Three Ways House Hotel - home of the famous Pudding Club.

Old friends remembered and memories were recalled during the event which was one of many held as part of the Mickleton Community Archive project.

Mickleton received a £40,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to create the archive which will take shape through a series of monthly events with the local community.

Launched in August 2012, the project will create a legacy for future residents by using photos and audio which will end up as an online archive, due to go live next month.

Chairman John Kinchin said the project was going exceptionally well.

"We've got nearly 1,500 photographs already put on and we've got stacks more," he said. "They just keep coming out of the woodwork. It's just unbelievable.

"It's all going very well but it's all thanks to Barry Metcalf. What we really want to do is get a few more people interested to go on the committee."

Last month, a large group gathered in the King George's Hall to hear a progress report of the work to date and old maps were displayed and many photographs laid out.

Mr Metcalf demonstrated the website being compiled and explained how easy it is to research a subject.

The next event is taking place on Saturday, March 22 from 11am to 4pm in the Anglican Church of St Lawrence and the Methodist Chapel.

An exhibition of artefacts seldom seen on public display before can be viewed as well as a stain glass window of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in St Lawrence's Church.

There will be an organ recital and campanologists will be invited from other bell towers to join the local band of ringers.

Anyone with a a photograph, a memory or something to add to the archive or to volunteer for the committee, call Barry Metcalfe on 01386 438065.