Walton’s oldest charity celebrated its 800th birthday this month.

More than 100 people joined Walton Charity for a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church on Saturday, November 12.

It was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey David Watts, the High Sheriff of Surrey Michael Joy, mayor of Elmbridge Councillor John Sheldon and Walton Sea and Army Cadets.

Charity chief executive Jackie Lodge said: “The charity has a longstanding relationship with the church so it was great that we could celebrate our 800 years at St Mary’s, and we were delighted by the number of beneficiaries and members of the community who joined us on the day.”

The relationship was formed in the late 19th century when the church was given money to help poor people in the area.

The charity was controlled by wealthy landowners but a water company bought them out and chose to relinquish responsibility.

The charity dates from around 1211 when King John gave a local nobleman land on the condition that he and his successors assisted the Walton poor.

Other charities, such as almshouses, were founded over the centuries and in 1963 they amalgamated into Walton Charity.

Today the organisation provides allotments, sheltered housing and benefit grants among other initiatives to help the local community.

Director of residential care services Nigel Lucas said care home and social residents joined the celebration. He said: “It was fantastic, we had an absolutely brilliant turnout.”

A short film, 800 Years of Giving, was made to mark the event.

A book called I Give and Bequeath, by local historian and charity trustee David Nash, documents the charity’s colourful history.

It is available to buy from the charity and Elmbridge Museum.

For information about Walton Charity call 01932 220242 or visit waltoncharity.org.uk.