A new chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary will be elected to run future events.

Reviewing the past year, a group spokesperson said: “There will be thousands of pounds coming to help us promote our British culture and it would be in people’s best interest to come and help us decide how to spend this money.

“We have worked closely with and would like to thank Paul McLean (DUP), Sean Henry (Community Relations Officer), Michael McCrory (DPP), John Hagan and Michael Dallat (Housing Executive), Sandy Wilson (Oakleaf) and the village community police officer Mark McGarry.”

Since the group met for its first meeting on July 24 last year there have been 22 meetings.

The first event Desertmartin Community Group organised took place in October 30 and was a lecture about Guy Fawkes at the Bridewell when about 30 people attended, including Paul McLean (DUP) and Sean Kerr (Sinn Fein).

On November 5 the group held the first Guy Fawkes night with an 18-foot effigy - the first ever in Northern Ireland.

On December 15 the group, in association with the PSNI, took 12 adults and 12 children to see Santa on a Santa trail at Carrfunnick.

And on January 5 five members of the group passed their minibus tests with Out and About Buses.

From January 14 to March 3, the group and Out and About Buses took 59 adults and 179 children to Magherafelt leisure centre swimming over eight weeks.

On March 10 Desertmartin Group ran a Commonwealth of Nations event at the Bridewell.

About 123 people attended with countries such as Nigeria, India, Mozambique, represented as well as British soldiers from Kenya, the Grand Orange Lodge, Apprentice Boys of Derry, Ulster Scots Agency, Community Relations Council, Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games team members, Desertmartin PS, Maghera High School and Magherafelt Highland Dancers.

On March 15 the group held a St Patrick’s Day Festival to celebrate the Shamrock, a Royal family and British Army tradition.

The event was attended by the British Army, PSNI, Fire Brigade, and the group would like to thank the Church of the Nazarene for letting them use their sports hall for about 160 adults and children who attended.

Back on June 21 the group, in association with Cookstown and District Motor Club ran a motocross event in the village and in Crossetts Meadow.

The children of the village with the help of the motocross club built the track over a three-week period.

The community group secured funding for July 11 bonfire and the event was very well organised, attracting about 250.

The event was only made possible through assistance from Mrs Crossett, who kindly gave use of the meadow; Paul McLean, Timothy Anderson (EMC), Lois Kennedy (Cloghworthy House, Antrim), D Professional Outfit from Walk the Plank in Manchester and the PSNI.

Desertmartin Community Group is willing to help any other group in Northern Ireland who want to promote their British culture.