A COTSWOLD charity celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday, with a tea party for all of its past and present supporters, trustees and volunteers.

The Willow Trust has been providing free canal boat trips for 7,000 disabled and seriously ill people in Gloucestershire every year since 1989.

On Friday members of the Cirencester-based charity, including volunteers and skippers past and present, friends, supporters, and guests from the Cheltenham Leonard Cheshire Home gathered at Whitminster Inn, near Gloucester, to enjoy tea, cakes and champagne as the organisation celebrated its milestone year.

The event also included special guests Jean Cotton from the Cotton Trust and Beverly Thompson and Sue Groves from the Leonard Matchan Fund whose donations were vital to the building of Willow Trust boats Spirit of Freedom II and Leonard Matchan, which are both moored at Saul Junction on the Gloucester Sharpness canal.

One of the trust’s original volunteers and stalwart supporter 90-year-old Alice Brettell was invited to make the first cut of the celebration cake on the day. Mrs Brettell said afterwards: "I am delighted to be at this special day and I will be returning in September when I intend to keep my record as the oldest person to take part in the annual sponsored walk."

Trust administrator Liz Rowland, who has been at the forefront of the Willow Trust since its official launch in 1989 was presented with a bouquet of flowers by head trustee Chris Lutton in recognition of her tireless work throughout the years.

"On this special day we pause to celebrate the people whose kindness, generosity and commitment have kept The Willow Trust afloat for 25 years," said Liz. "Enabling us to provide days of respite in often difficult lives. Tomorrow we look forward to the next 25 years."

See willowtrust.org for more.