CHIDEOCK WI celebrated its 103rd birthday with a party.

Doubly special was the fact that nine members were awarded long service certificates with membership to the WI totalling more than 363 years.

More than 45 members and guests enjoyed an afternoon tea and were enthralled by the speaker, Chideock’s very own Professor Denys Brunsden, who gave an inspiring talk on ‘The Pioneer Women of the Jurassic Coast’.

A spokeswoman for the group said: "Little did we know the important role six women, with strong links to our coastline, had on the discovery of fossils and the geology of the area. We were fascinated to learn about the lives of Mary Anning (not the much-dramatised version), Mary Morland, Elizabeth Philpott, Eleanor Coade and Marie Stopes.

"These exceptionally talented women may not have received the credit they were due but their knowledge, artistic talent and contribution to today’s understanding of geology and paleontology should not be forgotten."