A GROUP for people who have suffered strokes is in danger of folding unless more helpers come forward.

Durham Stroke Club, which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary, meets every Tuesday at the Pity Me Community Centre and provides a social lifeline for its members.

But the group has only four volunteers and seven members at the moment. Even though there are stroke sufferers who want to join, the group cannot take them on because it cannot find any more helpers.

"We need more people to volunteer and we just can't get them. We have tried everything," said helper Margaret Parker.

"Volunteers are difficult to find because grandparents are looking after their grand-children while their parents are at work.''

She said the number of volunteers had dwindled over the years and the future looked bleak.

Members range in age from 55 to 85 and are driven to and from meetings by social services volunteer drivers.

"When the members arrive we have a cup of coffee, share the news, do little exercises and play games and have quizzes. Every now and again we go out for a lunch.

"Ideally, we'd like to have somebody with a car because we only have one lady with a car at the moment."

The group meets at the community centre, in Woodbine Terrace, between 10am and 2pm.

Anyone who would like to help the club can call Mrs Parker on 0191-386 5858.