Sixty years ago, a small group of parents gathered in a Braintree living room.

They all had one thing in common - each family had a child with a learning disability - and their children were denied schooling.

Because there were hardly any support services available, they decided to form the Braintree branch of the National Association of Parents of Backward Children - now known as the Braintree District Mencap Society.

General manager Rachael Luckin said: “From that small beginning, the society has grown to become one of the largest voluntary groups in the area providing services for and campaigning on behalf of several hundred families in Braintree, Halstead, Witham and the surrounding villages.

“Literally hundreds of people have helped the society to grow and develop over the 60 years and present chair Janet Brown and her fellow trustees are anxious to make contact with as many as possible to share in celebrating the organisation’s achievements.”

The society is holding a reunion at Charles Leek House, 7 Coggeshall Road, Braintree on Saturday, 16th May from 2 til 5pm.

Any supporters and friends from the past and present are welcome to view nostalgic memorabilia and enjoy reminiscences of six successful decades.