A Hoyland youth club enjoyed by generations of young people is appealing for new members or it will have to fold.

 

St Andrew's Youth Club has existed for so long that people cannot be sure when it started, but club leader Sheila Colyer, 70, has been involved with it for more than 20 years.

 

She said: "We have mums bringing their children in now who used to come here themselves. We do all kinds of things like playing pool and making artwork - we've just made some Christmas decorations.

 

"We never compel children to do anything. We have between seven and ten members and that's why we're desperate to get new ones. Otherwise, it is just not sustainable."

 

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She added: "The ones who do come seem to really enjoy it so I can't explain why numbers have dropped off."

 

Although the club is attached to St Andrew's church, it welcomes all faiths and is aimed at children aged five to 11.

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"They tend to move on when they start secondary school," said Sheila.

 

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The club meets every Tuesday night at St Andrew's church hall and is run by volunteers. Entry is 20p and there is a tuck shop with proceeds going back into the club.