Good friends, good food and good fun are at the heart of a Petts Wood friendship club which is encouraging new members after it began five years ago.

With the help of News Shopper reporter Michael Purton the Wednesday Club was formed in 2010 with its first meeting at the Sovereign of the Seas in Queensway, where members continue to meet every week for lunch and a chat.

Original members Jean Tilsed and Joyce Garland are hoping to reinvigorate the group with some new faces, after the death of several much-loved regulars.

Mrs Tilsed, of Dominic Drive, New Eltham, organises the group's events, from day trips to the coast to holidays abroad.

News Shopper:

Joyce Garland and Jean Tilsed original Wednesday Club members.

The 76-year-old said at one point the club amassed so many members it could barely fit everyone in their regular meeting place at the back of the pub.

She told News Shopper: "We call it a friendship club. We really get on well and we did have a wedding a couple of years ago.

"They were married about 18 months, but unfortunately Ruth died."

Sadly the bride Ruth Unger, who married fellow Wednesday Club member Ivor Smith in 2013, passed away last summer aged 70.

Fellow founding member Joyce Garland, 72, who lives near Bromley Common, said the club has been a great way for retired folk to meet new people and socialise throughout the year.

She told News Shopper: "That's what it's all about, having a cup of coffee and chatting away.

"It's something for people to look forward to.

"I think it's dwindled a bit but hopefully we'll get some new members and it'll pick up again."

News Shopper:

The Wednesday Club at one of their weekly meets.

As well as regular quiz evenings and socials, members tuck in to a Christmas dinner each year to celebrate the festive period.

Mrs Garland added: "They set all the tables up lovely for us, it's a really Christmassy atmosphere."

New members will be warmly welcomed every week at the Sovereign of the Seas.