MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Royston have been described as being among “the great and the good” of the community as they celebrated their golden anniversary.

The praise came from Royston’s MP Oliver Heald during a speech at the club’s 50th anniversary dinner at Homerton College, Cambridge on Friday evening.

More than 100 members and guests attended the event which took place on the exact day when the club was started 50-years-ago.

Mr Heald said that throughout the club’s life there had been some “marvellous characters” belonging to Rotary who had helped shape it.

“The members today are what we can call the great and the good of community for the work being done not just in our local community, but on an international scale, too,” he said.

As an example he highlighted Rotary’s shelter box scheme which was providing for people in Pakistan in desperate need.

There was, too, he said, the commitment to the community with Rotary involved in fund-raising for various charities.

Indeed, in his speech Rotary president Neil Heywood said that during the past year the club had helped 26 charities and raised more that �17,000.

And across its lifespan the Rotary Club of Royston has raised countless tens of thousands for a variety of causes.

Mr Heald added: “I was delighted to attend this dinner.

“Royston Rotary has done so much in the last 50 years and many of its Presidents are well-known public figures in Royston.

“In the last year alone, a huge amount has been done to raise money for several local charities and for shelter tents in the Third World.

“I congratulate Rotary on all their achievements.”

The anniversary dinner was also attended by Annemarie Harte, chief executive of Rotary International, and district governor Tom Griffin.