A PLAYGROUP that has looked after hundreds of youngsters for almost 30 years faces closure - because of a lack of members.

The number of children attending St George's playgroup, in Millfield Lane, off Hull Road, York, has dwindled in recent years to half a dozen or less.

Organisers at the not-for-profit community centre have warned that unless new members join, bringing in desperately-needed funds, the group will be forced to shut its doors forever.

Treasurer Christine Guy, whose daughter, Jennifer, ten, went to the playgroup eight years ago, said the St George's Methodist Church group had been "struggling" for a number of years.

She added: "This is going to be the deciding time. We are in danger of closing if we do not find more children. It really is just about getting more children through the door - we cannot afford to keep running at a loss."

The playgroup was first registered in 1969 and staff can look after up to 24 children aged between two and five. But the number of regular attendees has fallen over the past few years to between four and six youngsters.

A sponsored football match held before Christmas raised enough funds to support the group until Easter, but its future beyond then remains uncertain.

Christine said that the group had been inspected by OFSTED recently with "good" results and that there were free places available for eligible children aged between three and four. She said: "We really are trying to keep it going because we do not want to see it close. It serves a need in the area."

The group is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during school term between 9.30am and midday. Sessions cost £3. There is also a parent and toddler session on Fridays, between 9.30am and 11.30am, which costs £1.20.

Parents are invited to meet the staff at an open session on Tuesday between 10am and 11am. Or parents can phone Christine on 01904 410490 for details.

Updated: 09:11 Friday, January 24, 2003