A HISTORY group is ending its decade-long policy of free admission to meetings, in order to meet growing financial pressures.

South Moor Local History Society, based in South Moor, near Stanley, is introducing a £2 annual membership fee and a £1 entry charge for its monthly meetings, which regularly attract a 30-strong audience.

The society had to establish a new committee in order to change its constitution, set up ten years ago, which banned any form of charges.

Its last free meeting takes place on Monday, December 6, at 7.15pm, in South Moor Library.

Francis Newman will give a power point presentation on the history of Stanley and the surrounding district, prepared by local historian Jack Hair. To mark the occasion, there will also be free refreshments.

Mr Hair said: "This will be the last free meeting.

"Due to financial pressures, we are no longer able to run the group for free."