A GROUP, which has fed the elderly in Dursley for almost 30 years, is desperately seeking new volunteers to save it from closure.

The Friday Luncheon Club has been supporting the elderly in Dursley since the 1970s.

The group and its 30 members all aged between 70 and 95 meet every Friday at the Dursley Community Centre where those who attend can enjoy a freshly prepared two-course meal.

However, this summer three of its volunteers, the cook and two kitchen staff, are set to retire after more than 20 years' service, and those running the group have said if these roles are not filled the group will have to close.

Pauline Darby, from the committee, said: "It we can’t find a new cook, we can’t continue and the group will end."

Mrs Darby, who has been part of the Dursley Friday Luncheon Club for more than 20 years, said the group was important not just because of the meal but the social element, which provided a vital lifeline for many elderly members of the local community.

She said: "It’s very important. On the Friday we don’t meet it’s difficult for them because the most important thing is they are getting out of their homes.

"One lady had a stroke and didn’t talk very much but now she talks all the time. Another lady comes with her husband who has Alzheimer’s and it is important she gets out of the house.

"A lot of those who come just like getting out."

The Friday Luncheon Club is staffed entirely by volunteers and is self funded.

The kitchen staff are due to retire at the beginning of July so the club is in a race against time to find their replacements.

For more information about the three positions or to apply call Gerry Goodrich on 01453 890534 or Pauline Darby on 01453 543255.