THE West Somerset Company of Archers marked their 60th anniversary by inviting as many founding members as could be reached to a celebration at the archery field in Wootton Courtenay.

Events began with a fun shoot for juniors, who shot at balloons tethered to stakes in the ground, after which founder and life member Pam Sax cut the anniversary cake, which was enjoyed with wine and other refreshments.

One member had brought along an atlatl – a hand-held unit used by bprimitive hunters to help them cast their spears over longer distances than by just using their arm – together with darts, and the longest distances achieved were by Carl Padfield, Len Smith and Peter Walton.

The next activity was a mini clout shoot over 80 metres, and first place went to Ray Hunt, a returning retired archer, with a score of 69. Second was Peter Bright with 33 and third was junior Jordan Parker with 27.

The successful celebrations ended with more refreshments.