Two members of Lions clubs in west Suffolk got to enjoy the organisation’s 100th birthday celebrations with a visit to Buckingham Palace.

David Goodwin, from Haverhill Lions Club, and Paula Stannard, from Newmarket Lions, joined with members from across the British Isles at the centenary reception together with the organisations’ charity partners.

The reception was hosted by Lions patron – The Countess of Wessex G.C.V.O.

Both organisations help their communities with a variety of fundraising events.

Haverhill Lions club was chartered in 1982 and aims to help people within the area through community service and fundraising through events such as Santa’s grotto at Sturmer Nurseries Garden Centre.

Newmarket Lions help their community through fundraising and events such as race nights, Santa’s grotto and firework evenings.

Lions Clubs International support major projects that address diabetes, youth, the environment, hunger relief, childhood cancer and sight issues affecting communities throughout the world.

Lion Phil Nathan MBE, chairman of the centenary celebrations for Lions Clubs of the British Isles, said: “Let me begin by saying that during our first century of service, Lions Clubs have touched millions of lives of people that needed us.

“100 years of service to the community is a remarkable achievement, made possible by the selfless actions of many thousands of individual men and women, each of whom has sought to make ‘their’ community a better place.

“As we enter our second century, the cry for help from those in need will most certainly become louder and we as volunteers are ready to show as Lions, We Care.”