THE WI is going from strength to strength in Bucks with six new clubs opening within the last two years.

There are 4,500 members in the Buckinghamshire Federation of the Women's Institute which has increased by 200 over the last three years.

Six new WIs have been set up in Bucks within the last two years including an evening groups in Princes Risborough and Beaconsfield and an afternoon one in Bourne End.

Newton Leys, Bishopstone and Ickford have also gained new clubs.

WI advisor Lynn Foster said: "The new ones are really encouraging. At Newton Leys they are all in their 20s which is fantastic.

"WI is becoming quite on trend.

"I think it is a lot to do with The Great British Sewing Bee and the Bake Off and all that sort of stuff.

"Kirstie Allsopp has done the make do and mend programme. It has become the done thing to save money and to make things.

"We have got away from the jam and Jerusalem bit."

Lynn believes people have become more interested in the "lost crafts" and the WI have branched away from their old fashioned image.

She opened a WI in Beaconsfield two years ago and 70 people turned up.

The evening meeting in Bourne End was becoming so popular there was a waiting list, which is the why the day one was created.

At the meetings there is a speaker where members can learn something new.

And Lynn recommends to visit a few to see where you most enjoy.

She said: "Go and visit several. They are all so different. It might be that one suits one person and another suits another."

It will cost £3 to £4 for a one off visit and £34.70 for annual membership.

To find out a group near you go to www.thewi.org.uk.

To view the Bucks website go to www.bucksfwi.org.uk and call 01494 526685 to speak to one of the team.