A CHILDREN’S charity in Northwich celebrated its eighth birthday on Monday.

The Joshua Tree was set up by a Northwich family to build a holiday home and support centre for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Although fundraising continues for the project, the charity has come a long way in achieving its aims – it has land in the Sandiway countryside for the holiday home and planning permission for the build, and its support work for families has already started with an interim centre at the charity’s town centre headquarters.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans launched the birthday celebrations at the support centre, in Venables Road, and officially cut the charity’s birthday cake.

Celebrations continue throughout the week as The Joshua Tree also marks the 30th anniversary of National Volunteer Week.

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, is families day from 10am to 2pm when families can come and find out more about the support at The Joshua Tree.

There is a double focus on Friday, June 6, beginning with a daytime session of how businesses can help and a trustee evening about what is involved.

For more information visit thejoshuatree.org.uk or ring 01606 331858.