MEMBERS of the great and the good from Wem and Whitchurch have been celebrating the UK's leaving of the European Union.

The United Kingdom officially left the EU at 11pm, on Friday, January 31, triggering various parties and celebrations across the nation.

Wem was no different, with the local branch of the North Shropshire Conservative Society getting together to enjoy the day.

More than 90 people attended a celebratory lunch, held at The Croft at Beaconsfield Caravan Park in Hadnall, including the MP for North Shropshire, Owen Paterson.

Deputy mayor of Wem, Councillor Peter Broomhall, was also at the party, which he described as 'fantastic'.

"We had a fantastic meal in such a beautiful venue," said Cllr Broomhall "Lots of balloons, poems and patriotic singing and waving of flags.

"Fabulous lunch, great venue, beautiful food. For starters we had prawn cocktail, then British roast beef and all the trimmings then Eton Mess for desert.

"I wonder why? Because Boris went to Eton and his hair is always a mess!"