THE future of a long-established playgroup is still hanging in the balance after church leaders announced plans to sell off a community hall.

Restoration of the 120-year-old Church of St James, in Romanby, near Northallerton, is expected to go ahead soon.

But the project will have to be financed by the sale of the nearby church hall, a 19th Century building and the former village primary school.

The hall - which is used by a variety of community groups, including Romanby pre-school - has fallen into disrepair in recent years and Northallerton parochial church council is drawing up a planning application for residential development of the site. If permission is granted, it will be sold off.

The playgroup, which provides activities for dozens of youngsters each week, is now pinning its hopes on gaining planning permission for a building to be erected in the grounds of Romanby Primary School.

A spokeswoman said: "The education authority has written to the Secretary of State about this and we are awaiting a reply to see if we can put a portable building in the school grounds.

"But if we don't get that we'll still be without a building."

Last year, it was announced that the former St James' playgroup would change its name to Romanby pre-school as it hoped to remain in the village, despite its uncertain future.

If successful in its bid to relocate to the primary school, the group would probably seek a National Lottery grant to help finance the move.

If permission is granted by Hambleton District Council, the church will undergo a revamp to include providing a meeting area, kitchen and toilets, as well as improved access for disabled people.

John Hutchinson, of the church council, said: "We have been thinking about this and planning it for about two-and-a-half years."

Of the situation facing the playgroup, he said: "They have been kept informed right from the start about what we have been intending to do and what the repercussions might be."