THE WOMEN’S Institute marked its 100 year anniversary with the passing of the centenary baton in Wiltshire on Friday.

During its 100th year the WI is passing the centenary baton around every federation within England and Wales.

Chairman of Wiltshire WI, Isobel Acott, and seven other WI members visited Salisbury Plain with the baton as part of the celebrations and sat in a Challenger tank.

She said: "It was absolutely fantastic, the army were marvellous, we could not have asked for anything more.

"They had two Challenger tanks, four of us in one and four in the other, we got a real feel for it but I would not want to spend 18 hours in one."

On April 2 there will be further celebrations at a sold out event at Wellington Academy in Tidworth between 10.30am and 4pm including a visit from the mayor of Salisbury, Jo Broom.

Throughout the day there will be artisan stalls including Pink Box Boutique, Hive Originals and Just Chillies as well as demonstrations such as woodturning, candle making and clematis care and pruning.

After lunch, the centenary cake will be cut and there will be a ceremonial toast followed by an exhibition of individually-designed centenary banners while the baton is passed between members.

Entertainment will include belly dancing, singing and a fashion parade as well as a raffle.

The day follows a similar celebration in Swindon at the Supermarine Sport and Social club on Wednesday, March 25 where there was a similar line up of activities.