A LONG-RUNNING luncheon club in Stubbington for the elderly and disabled faces closure unless more volunteers come forward to help.

Once a fortnight the Stubbington Lunch Club's 20 members look forward to meeting friends over a hot meal, coffee and biscuits.

For some it is the only time they have a chance to socialise and get out of the house.

But in the last few months the club, which meets at the Crofton Community Centre, has lost its dedicated leader Beryl Holder through ill health.

Three regular cooks have also left due to other commitments.

The charity Club Hampshire took over last April from the Red Cross and has issued the desperate appeal for help.

Its operations manager Edwin Ingleton said: "We are doing our best to keep the club open. We are looking for a new leader to lead the club and volunteers to help with the cooking. We can have up to 20 people at meetings, which includes a two-course lunch. The club fulfils a vital local need and we need help desperately."

Regular members agree.

Bill Griffin, 88, of Stubbington, started as a volunteer at the club 15 years ago and now enjoys the camaraderie it has to offer.

"It's very sociable. You get coffee and biscuits, a lovely meal and a dessert.

"It would be sorely missed if it was to close. The volunteers do an excellent job."

Horace Burdett, 84, also of Stubbington said: "I've only been coming for six months but it really is excellent. It would be a great upset if it had to close."

Club Hampshire took over 39 luncheon clubs from the Red Cross across the county last April. Since then it has kept to its promise not to close any of them and has actually created seven new ones. A British Red Cross spokesman said the decision to stop running the luncheon clubs was taken so the charity could concentrate on short-term relief and nationwide services.

If you can spare some time call Mr Ingleton on 01962 877772.