Members and former volunteers marked the occasion at the Gillespie Centre and also honoured founder-member Ethel Foy (79), the only existing original volunteer from the time the savings and loans cooperative first started in 1994.

Ethel was among a small group who founded DDCU by pooling their money into the organisation. Starting with just £100, the credit union now holds savings worth £545,000 and has lent out loans totalling £159,000.

DDCU also has a membership of 1850 and branches in Dunfermline, Touch, Abbeyview, Rosyth, Kelty and Cowdenbeath.

Ethel smiled, “It was a lovely surprise. I was told it was some kind of meeting and then I got brought in and Carole Buller (DDCU treasurer) told me, ‘I’m sorry, I lied to you!’ “I’m very proud of how DDCU has come on.

“We’ve helped people over the years do things they might not have been able to do.” Carole added, “Ethel is an amazing lady and has volunteered with DDCU for over 21 years.

“Without Ethel and all the previous volunteers who have helped over the last 21 years, we would not be where we are today.

“We want people to know that we’re available to help them – instead of payday loans, there’s another option. Anyone who joins owns DDCU and all the money goes back into the community.

“Our plans for the future are that we can increase our membership and provide the Dunfermline and district community with a very worthwhile service.”