TRAFFORD'S Christian youth organisation group, Eighth Trafford Boys’ Brigade is celebrating its 40th birthday.

The group was founded in October 1977 in Hayeswater Road Methodist Church by Albert Pontefract, who was the first captain. His wife, June Pontefract, also founded First Davyhulme Girls Brigade in 1977 at the same church, which is now called Cornerstone Methodist Church.

Members and captains old and new joined together for a dedication service at the church on Hayeswater Road in Davyhulme and joined after at Urmston Cricket Club for a buffet to celebrate and share memories together.

There are around 30 boys in the group ranging from age six to 18-years-old. They go on camping trips, earn badges and have a marching band.

Tim Bate has been a member of the group since he was six-years-old. He started at a troop in Stretford and now aged 38 is a leader.

He said: "It's a great achievement. It takes an awful lot of commitment to keep the group going.

"A highlight over the years for me was meeting Alex Ferguson. But it can be tough, we all volunteer our time and it can very demanding but we love it."