From the height of the Second World War to England winning the World Cup, Gravesend Rotary Club has seen plenty of history during its 90 years of service to the town.

Current members of the club recently marked the milestone with a birthday lunch attended by 67 Rotarians and guests.

Among them was the President of Rotary throughout Britain and Ireland, Denis Spillar, who congratulated members on their long record of service to the people of Gravesend.

District governor Carol Vizard, who oversees clubs in Kent and Sussex, presented a commemorative 90th birthday certificate and clubs in Bromley, Dover, and Northfleet also passed on their congratulations.

Mr Spillar said: “Gravesend members represent all that the founders of Rotary had aimed for back in 1910 when the movement was started.

“The Gravesend club can truly be said to be punching above its weight.”

He praised its support of local food banks, helping school children and the elderly, and the provision of a ward at the ellenor hospice.

The club’s annual sponsored cycle ride, dubbed On Your Bike, was also highlighted, with it having raised some £600,000 for charity in the past 31 years.

Gravesend president Dilbagh Singh spoke of the club’s first meeting in 1927, adding: “Rotary’s original motto of ‘service above self’ remains as important as ever.”

The new club president for 2017/18 was announced as Tony Muckley, who said he was honoured and humbled to take on the responsibility.

He said he is keen to attract more members during his time in charge, with anyone interested in helping out urged to visit gravesendrotary.org.uk.