THEY have been teaching first aid in a Hampshire village for decades.

Now the North Baddesley branch of the British Red Cross is celebrating 70 years since it was established.

In 1943, Betty Coombes was asked by the British Red Cross to run a first-aid course in the village, which had grown as people travelled in and out of Southampton during the Second World War.

Betty, 30, was already a member of the Southampton group and had teaching experience from her work at a Portswood school.

Due to the popularity and success of the course, a voluntary aid detachment (VAD) group was formed and the branch continued to grow.

Now the charity is inviting people to join them in their celebrations between 11am and 4pm in North Baddesley Village Hall on Saturday, September 7.

A commemorative rose tree will be planted by the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Janet Whiteley, in the Jubilee garden and archives dating back to 1943 will be on display.

The fund-raising shop will also be open between noon and 2pm.

For more information, call 023 8073 0843, or email: north.baddesley.fundraising@hotmail.com.