A NORTH Yorkshire village club has touched many people's lives since it was first opened 100 years ago - one woman says she would not even be here without it.

Escrick and Deighton Social Club, in Escrick, near York, will celebrate its centenary today, with a programme of events spanning the weekend.

During its 100 years, it has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a convalescence home for injured soldiers during the First World War.

Some time between 1915 and 1919, villager Judith Hope's grandfather, Edward Verity, arrived fresh from battle on the continent.

It was there Edward, originally from Skipton, met Judith's grandmother, Louisa Goodall.

"The club was a Red Cross hospital during the war," said club committee member Judith, who has been one of the driving forces behind this weekend's festivities.

"My granddad was injured in France, and was sent here to convalesce. My gran was a local girl and worked as seamstress, doing all the sewing for the soldiers, mending the bed covers and that sort of thing.

"So, if it wasn't for this club, I wouldn't be here."

The club was originally built by the Forbes-Adams family as a place for local Escrick Park Estate workers to meet up and read the day's newspapers. There was even a shooting gallery for estate workers to practise their marksmanship. The family still own the freehold for the property.

Judith said the club was twinned with a Royal Navy ship in 1941, as the village knitted items for the sailors.

"Now it is a bar with a thriving function room where it hosts private parties, entertainment nights and village events," she said.

"We have pictures to show the club at all these stages."

On April 26, 1908, the foundation stone was laid at the club - then called the Institute Escrick. This weekend's celebrations include a pet show, a children's sports day, a traditional village fête, an adult tug-of-war and an auction of promises. On Sunday, the club will host a table top sale.

Escrick Primary school and the playgroup are also joining in by having a competition to dream up what the club will look like in another 100 years.

All weekend there will be a beer festival, with food available. The club committee will make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Care from the proceeds.

Judith said: "All in all, it will be a busy weekend, but it is a remarkable achievement, 100 years of being a club.

"It has only been possible by the commitment of the Escrick Park Estate and the committee and members."