A HISTORIC community association is making a last-ditch appeal for support, after a public meeting failed to produce the volunteers needed to ensure its survival.

Alington House Community Association, in Durham, which was founded more than 70 years ago, is struggling to cover running costs and needs a new secretary and treasurer.

Directors were overwhelmed when about 60 people turned up for a public meeting to discuss its problems.

However, despite several helpful suggestions, the association's future remains in doubt.

Chairman Eric Colling said: "We didn't expect such numbers, and we had a number of city and county councillors, which was quite gratifying.

"But no one was willing to step forward to be treasurer or secretary and we critically need to full those two posts as soon as possible.

"Timing is critical now."

Alington House Community Association has served numerous groups since it was founded in 1933.

Hester Alington, the wife of the then-dean of Durham, Cyril Alington, played a key role in its early development.

The association bought its current home, at 4 North Bailey, in 1951, from the dean and chapter of Durham Cathedral, which had rented the building to the club since 1948.

It hosts Quaker meetings, ballroom dancing classes, exhibitions, counselling, youth services and Open University teaching.

However, the Grade II-listed building is expensive to maintain.

Mr Colling said: "It's a wonderful location, with a quirky, interesting building, but these things are both a blessing and a curse.

"I am personally of the opinion that there is simply not the demand for that sort of facility."

Among those who attended the public meeting was Professor Gordon Batho, who made a donation to the association and offered the support of his History of Education Project.

The directors of Alington House are to meet on Wednesday, to discuss the results of the public meeting.

Another meeting, either to appoint a new treasurer and secretary or begin winding up the association, will be held in the next few weeks.

Anyone who feels they can help the association with its difficulties is asked to call Mr Colling on 0191-384-6964.