A local stock market investment club celebrated its 21st anniversary recently at Twyford House off Coburg Road.

The Sidmouth-based Hopeful Volunteers Investment Club has been meeting every month since it was founded in January 2001 by six local residents.

It made its first investments in Cadbury and Viridian, which are now no longer listed on the stock market, and has had over 50 members so far.

Chairman Paul Swinburn said: "Through all the ups and downs of the stock market since 2001 - the year of the dotcom crash – our club has stayed the course.

"We've seen off the banking crisis of 2008 and numerous mini-booms and busts.

"Stock markets this year are looking very interesting with lots of fun ahead but we are confident that our portfolio of stocks and shares can ride out any coming storm."

The club invests its members' monthly subscriptions and also runs a 'light-hearted' investment competition and a social programme. It uses Hargreaves Lansdown as its online stockbroker and evening portfolio management meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is registered with HMRC.

Membership is limited, but there are places currently available and anyone can join regardless of investment experience.

If you are interested in joining, you can email [email protected].

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