PAST and present members of a successful York dramatic society joined together to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

The Rowntree Players held a special dinner followed by live entertainment for more than 90 people at the Merchant Taylors' Hall.

Six former chairmen were among the guests and one couple had even travelled from Switzerland to join in the festivities.

Also present was current chairman Eileen Lavender, pictured on the front row, second from left, and vice-president Ted Atkinson, who was actively involved in reviving the Players after the war, seen here on the front row, second from right.

The players' business manager, Brian Coates, far left in the front row, said the group continues to thrive because of the commitment of its members.

He said: "Over 90 people were there and everything went very well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a chance to catch up with people we hadn't seen for a while."

The Rowntree Players perform three plays and a pantomime each year at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road.

Updated: 15:45 Friday, February 15, 2002