MORE than 180 Women’s Institute members packed a community centre to celebrate 100 years since the launch of the organisation.

Members from six branches across south Essex – Hadleigh Castle, Hadleigh Evening, Leigh Afternoon, Leigh Evening, Thundersley Village and Kingston – joined forces for the event at Runnymede Hall, in Kiln Road, Thundersley.

This year marks 100 years since the WI was formed to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.

To mark the landmark anniversary, all of the ladies dressed in different fashions from every era since 1915, including a suffragette, flapper, pearly queen and hippy.

Music from each decade was also played, with the audience encouraged to sing along and even show off their dance moves.

The entertainment was organised by the Kingston branch, based in Thundersley, as it was their turn to host the annual spring meeting.

The WI has experienced an unexpected revival in recent years, with the organisation now having its highest number of members since the Seventies.

The release of the hit film, Calendar Girls, in 2003, and the success of television shows such as the Great British Bake Off are thought to have helped its popularity soar.

Further centenary events are expected to be held throughout the year.

For more information or to join the WI, visit www.essexwi.org.uk.