SUPPORTERS of the Devizes branch of the British Heart Foundation took a trip back to the 80s to celebrate the group's silver anniversary and its fundraising achievements.

About 40 people gathered in the town hall for a reception that included a high tea with favourites from the era prepared by Devizes chef Peter Vaughan.

Chairman Tony Batchelor said: "Looking through the branch records it is evident that the branch has done a great deal during the last 25 years.

"We have helped fund ECG equipment for doctors’ surgeries, defibrillators in the leisure centre and, more recently, in two of the town’s dental surgeries.

"We have raised well over £150,000 to support the work of the BHF through street collections, coffee mornings, concerts, sponsored bike rides, charity runs and walks, quizzes, dinner parties, hog roasts, craft fairs. You name it we have done it. And we want to continue doing it for the next 25 years."

David Billett, lead volunteer of the Devizes branch, presented representatives of Castle Combe race circuit with a certificate in recognition of their assistance in helping raise more than £5,000 since 2009.

Dr Jason Johnson, senior research fellow at Bristol Infirmary thanked the branch for its work and said: "Without your support it would be impossible for me to conduct my researches into heart disease."

Sarah Bridewell, Mayor of Devizes, who has chosen the BHF as one of her charities this year, said: "It is fantastic that the branch has been raising funds for the last 25 years.

"Many people are alive today thanks to the research work funded by branches like the one we have in Devizes. We are lucky to have such dedicated people willing to give their time to such worthwhile causes."

Mr Vaughan gave the food an 80s twist cakes including madeleines, chocolate fondants but he made sure he prepared them with healthy eating in mind.

Partygoers were also able to share their memories of days gone by as they looked at a display of memorabilia, press cuttings and minutes of committee meetings.

Shirley Jones, who has been secretary of the branch since it was first established, said: "It was lovely to meet up with old friends and look at the press cuttings and photos. Most of us looked a lot different then."

Three of the four surviving branch chairman and four former committee members were also able to attend and compared notes on how things had changed over the last 25 years.