AN AMMANFORD local service organisation is gearing up for a night of fun and fundraising this weekend.

The Ammanford Lions Club is hosting a charity supper and race night at Ammanford Miners’ Welfare Club, Wind Street, this Friday, September 8.

Residents are invited to join the evening at 7pm, for a 7:30pm start, where bets will be placed on horses sponsored by local businesses.

There will be food, a raffle and a licensed bar, with all funds raising going to local causes.

Entry costs £5. Tickets can be purchased beforehand on 01269 595833 or on the door.

The Ammanford Lions are a group of local people who dedicate their time to helping the community in as many was as they can.

The Lions Club of Ammanford was formed in 1970 and club member Clive Barnes said there are many different projects the community do not realise are run by the Lions.

Clive said: “The Lions organise a whole range of events throughout the year, such as the Tree of Light at Christmas-time at St Michael’s Church and Llandybie Parish Church, the Ammanford 10k Road Race and delivering Meals on Wheels to Ammanford residents every week.

“We have also ‘adopted’ Ammanford and Pantyffynnon train stations, which means we look after the flowerbeds and planters and paint the railings and cycle racks.

“We have also transformed Haydn Road communal area, part of our Lions centennial project, which now has membrane, shrubs and slate chippings.

“Planters have also been left bare for the community to plant vegetables.

“We also collect used glasses throughout the year from donations made at Ammanford Specsavers and send them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre for more Lions volunteers to clean, sort by prescription strength and package.

“Most of the recycled specs are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact.

The Message in a Bottle is another initiative by the Lions which allows local people to keep their personal and medical details on a simple form in their fridge.

“Should that person need medical attention the emergency services will be directed to the fridge by a sticker on that person’s front door,” Clive explained.

“Each year, in November, we support Children in Need by visiting over 40 schools with a Lion member dressed as Pudsey Bear and a fellow Lion to guide the way.

“This event usually raises at least £9000 for Children in Need.

“As well as all of these, we also organise Santa to tour the streets of Ammanford, Myddynfych, Llandybie and Betws in his Christmas Sleigh.”

The Lions Club of Ammanford was formed in 1970 and Clive said they want to keep going for many more years.

There is no age limit on becoming a Lion: anyone over 16 can join.

The time spent helping in the community can be as little or as much as the members can spare.