A SOCIAL group for people of Turkish origin living in Swindon has been set up.

The group has been named the Turk Halk Birligi, which translates as the unity of the Turkish people.

Their next gathering will be a party on Sunday, April 25, at the Grange Community Centre, between 6pm and 10pm.

The party will mark the National Children's Day of Turkey and Northern Cyprus, which is officially on April 23. Children's' games, the recitation of traditional poems, a raffle, a buffet and traditional Turkish music will all feature.

Turkish and English will be spoken throughout the evening.

Organisers will also be gathering the names of young boys who may be interested in forming a Turkish football team.

The group's committee is also planning to organise further events to celebrate Turkish festivals and national days, organise regular coffee mornings and offer free translation services.

Tickets for the party, which cost £5 for adults but are free for children under 12, can be obtained by calling Yasemin Gorgun on 01793 881331, Yonca Alman on 07746 584803 or Ayhan Alman on 07951 579713. Tickets will be on sale until Monday, April 19.

Anybody wishing to learn more about the group is invited to call Mrs Gorgun.