AN IRVINE group that has been providing social, educational and fun opportunities for women in the area since 1923 has celebrated its centenary.

Members of the Perceton branch of the Scottish Women's Institute held their 100th anniversary lunch on Sunday February 6 in Irvine’s Riverside Lodge Hotel.

Since its first meeting on February 5, 1923, the group has enjoyed a century of supporting women to find opportunities, friendship, and fun.

Group spokesperson Marilyn Morton said: “After a lovely lunch and a few short speeches, there was a film and photographs of the history of the organisation.

“We had a lovely afternoon, and it was nice to meet up with past members.

“Photographs were on show over many years and also the minutes books, including the first in 1923.

“A good cheery afternoon was enjoyed by all present.”

President Liz Craig and long-serving member Jean Cuthbertson cut a special anniversary cake to mark the occasion.

Kay Young, president of the SWI in Ayrshire, and the organisation's national president Anne Kerr joined former and current members for the celebration.

The SWI was first launched in Longniddry in East Lothian in 1917 as a way to help women access education, opportunities, and bring women together.

It was originally known as the Scottish Women's Rural Institutes - and informally as 'the Rural', a nickname that has stuck despite the name change to the SWI in 2015.

The Perceton ladies meet in Girdle Toll Church on the first Thursday of the month between September and May, with meetings lasting from 7pm to 10pm.