OUTDOOR parties in the Colne Valley will celebrate the first birthday of the Ourcaryourcar club.

Fun activities in Slaithwaite and Marsden are planned to mark the first year of operation.

The club allows members to hire vehicles for short periods at reasonable rates.

It takes care of taxation, insurance and maintenance of vehicles, taking away the organisation of car ownership.

Hazel Bonner, project co-ordinator for Ourcaryourcar, said membership of the club had grown to 20 and she was pleased with the success of the project so far.

"It's hard to believe that people really can use a car when they need to while also helping to reduce our traffic and environmental problems," she said.

"This is the ethos behind the car club, because as more people join there are fewer privately owned cars on the roads and fewer non-essential journeys are taken.

The project is managed by the Penistone Line Partnership rail group.

The club is paid for by the Countryside Agency and Kirklees Council.

Birthday celebrations take place on Saturday in Slaithwaite's circular car park from 10am to noon and in Argyle Street, Marsden, from 1pm to 3pm.

They will include face-painting, balloons, refreshments, a birthday cake and car demonstrations, along with music from the Marsden drumming group.

For details of the club phone Ms Bonner on 01484 549093.