AN ORGANISATION founded almost 20 years ago to foster interest in local heritage in and around Bedale is facing extinction unless it can find new members and office holders.

Bedale District Heritage Trust has been concerned for the past two years that most of its members are approaching or have passed retirement age and that it is proving difficult to inject new and younger blood.

Now a warning has been given that, at the next annual meeting in April, the organisation will need a new chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary because of retirements.

The trust was founded in 1985 by Denis Stockwell and his wife, Virginia, who at various times held the posts of chairman and secretary. Mr Stockwell died in 2000 and his widow has moved from Bedale to York.

The most notable achievement of the trust in its early days was to buy the former leech house and garden, on the Aiskew bank of Bedale Beck, and restore the building and its surroundings over a six-year period.

Prof David Kirby, the present trust secretary, said the organisation had a role to play in the Bedale regeneration project but faced the possibility of disbandment unless new members and leading officers could be found.

He said: "The trust is now poised, in these first years of the new century, for a completely fresh beginning if we can find people to help secure its future."

The trust, which exists to promote interest in local historic and architectural heritage and to become involved in matters of contemporary concern, receives financial support from Bedale Town Council, Aiskew Parish Council and the chamber of trade.

Anyone who wishes to become involved should contact (01677) 470466.