A club formed to provide members with friendships raised hundreds to aid the restoration of church bells.

Maldon 41 Club chairman, Martin Harvey, presented a cheque for £250 to Reverend Cannon Stephen Carter, of Maldon All Saints Church, for the restoration and returning of the church bells.

The 41 Club is for men who were formerly members of business club Round Table.

The club philosophy is to support Round Table and participate in local community service initiative or charity work, with emphasis on continuing friendship and fellowship.

Members of Round Table used to have to retire from the club at 41, giving rise to 41 Club.

The upper age limit has been raised to 45.

Guest speaker for the presentation evening was historian and former Mayor of Maldon, Stephen Nunn, who gave a talk and slide show on Wartime Maldon.

Club members enjoyed a four-course meal served by caterers Simply Delicious, at the event, held at the Maldon Masonic Hall, Cromwell Hill.