A NEW branch of the Women's Institute has started in Keynsham.

Called Wings – which stands for Women's Institute the Next Generation – it attracted 30 women on its launch night, which included a visit from an image consultant and a laughter yoga session.

Mandy Price, one of the committee members who organised the event, said: "The raffle prizes went down well. There was lots of laughter. It was a great night."

Keynsham already has a Women's Institute branch, and the Avon Federation of Women's Institutes is based in the town.

However, Wings is aimed at bringing a "fun, funky image to the WI", that will touch on traditions while also bringing a trendier outlook.

Wings is the latest new WI branch to launch in the former Avon area, where more new members joined the WI between 2008 and 2009 than in any other part of the country.

The next meeting will take place on July 1 at the Fear Institute in Keynsham. It will include a speaker talking about modern day etiquette and a seed swap.

Find more information on the group and its activities at wings-keynsham.blogspot.com.