A SOCIETY which has been thriving for more than 40 years needs new people to join its ranks.

The Sale-based Manchester Fuchsia Society was formed in May 1970, with the aim of encouraging the cultivation of popular plant.

The society welcomes a variety of speakers to their monthly meetings, with topics also covering other plants and places of interest.

Chairman Barry Taylor said: “We also organise visits of interest, the most recent being to see the Manchester Airport Fire and Rescue Service. This visit proved to be a big hit especially with the grandchildren who came along.

“A small charge was made for those attending and all the proceeds going to; on the first visit to Childflight and on the second to the CLIC Sargent Appeal.”

The society runs a project with schools every year, challenging pupils to grow fuchsia plants.

The winning school for 2016 was Springfield Road Primary School.

“One of the reasons behind getting schools involved was to encourage youngsters to become interested in growing,” said Barry.

“After all, who is going to look after our gardens and parks in the future. There is also a need for youngsters to understand how things grow, especially food.

“So now we need you the parents and the public to ensure that we keep this society alive for future generations.”

Barry is inviting anyone interested in joining the society to come to one of their meetings. The society meets at St. Anne's Church Hall, in Trinity Road, Sale Moor, on the third Monday of each month.

Fees for the year are £8. For more information call Barry on 0161 491 5534.