A charity is appealing to those who have helped others during the pandemic to turn it into something more permanent.

Swanley & North Downs Lions Club wants to encourage those who have lent a hand over the past year to consider continuing to help folk in need when things return to normal.

Club secretary Colin McRobert said: "One way of doing that would be to become a friend of Swanley & North Downs Lions Club.

"We have only 10 members, and are not in the first flush of youth, both of which limit our ability to raise funds.

"However, in the past being given help on a casual basis by friends of the club enabled us to make some significant contributions to our local community.

"We made regular donations to our hospice, now run by ellenor; we have funded a number of local defibrillators; we support other charities such as Hi-Kent, Porchlight, Blind Veterans UK, Sight Savers and more, as well as local youth groups, families and individuals in need.

"The pandemic has meant we have been unable to run events for most of the past year but with the prospect of lockdown ending we intend to resume our fund-raising activities. But to do so we need help, and we would also welcome suggestions as to how we might improve on what we do or new initiatives to explore.

"Being a friend of the club would involve no long-term commitment or cost, but it would provide an opportunity to continue to meet and work with like- minded folk and help others. You might even like to join us at social events that we run from time to time or take part in planning future fundraising activities.

"We are part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organisation. Our web address is www.swanleyandnorthdownslions.org.uk and we are on Facebook. If you think that joining our small band of friends could be for you please contact us via those means, or email swanleylions@btinternet.com.

Founded in 1977 as Farningham and District Lions, S&ND serves the towns and villages along Kent's North Downs.

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