A CHARITABLE trust which offers community services and courses near Broadway is celebrating its 40th birthday.

Stanton Guildhouse, in Stanton, was founded by Mary Osborn, between 1963 and 1971.

The Grade II-listed house was built by Ms Osborn with the help of a team of young European volunteers and local people out of yellow sandstone and finished in 1973.

The social campaigner, from the East End of London, then dedicated it to the instruction of traditional crafts.

She died in 1996 but her legacy lives on with The Guildhouse offering regular courses in pottery, painting, woodcarving, printing, woodturning and furniture restoration.

In the last few years it has become a national training centre for social entrepreneurs, bringing together business, public and voluntary sectors and others involved in community services.

It also holds weekly arts and crafts courses and summer schools in watercolours, stained glass and wood and stone carving.

Three open days were held to celebrate its anniversary.

For details, call 01386 584357 or visit stantonguildhouse.org.uk.