A volunteer-run club which supports families with twins and triplets is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Forest Twins and Triplets Club (FTTC), which covers Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Epping Forest has organised a party for next month.

Since 1975, the club has supported parents with daily demands of bringing up twins and triplets, with a weekly playgroup at Wanstead Youth Centre and social outings.

Founder June Tatch came up with the idea after giving birth to twins in April 1975 with three other children under the age of six.

With the original aim of swapping tips and clothing, she soon realised that there was a desire for multiple families to meet regularly to offer support to each other.

June said: “When I see someone proudly pushing their twins around and stop to talk to them, they tell me that without their local twins club, they would not have coped.

“I’m so thrilled to see that Forest Twins Club is still operating and serving the area in this way.”

Kate Turner, current FTTC chairwoman and mother to 4-year-old twins, called on parents of twins to get in touch.

She said: “This is such a momentous milestone not only for Forest Twins and Triplets Club but for all those clubs up and down the country who provide support to so many struggling families.

“I would urge anyone in the local area who is expecting twins or triplets (or even quads!), to get in touch with us as the emotional support you receive from meeting other families overcoming the same challenges is such a lifeline.”

The birthday party, with June to attend as guest of honour, is scheduled for July 4 from 1 to 4pm at The Railway Tavern, in Buckhurst Hill.