A SECOND Darlington forces' association is under threat of closure because of a drop in attendance at its monthly meetings.

Naval men past and present are being called to the decks in an effort to save it from extinction.

Less than a fortnight ago, the town's Royal Air Force Association (Rafa) announced it was to close its Duke Street club because of lack of support.

Now the Royal Naval Association's (RNA) Darlington branch is also being hit by dwindling support, with its meetings attended by as few as three people.

The branch used to own the Navy Club, in Northgate, but had to sell up in 1993 because of falling membership, which also caused financial difficulties.

The RNA was set up as the Naval Comrades' Association before the Second World War.

Like the Rafa, chairman Stan Johnson blames an ageing membership for its problems.

He said there must be younger ex-Navy servicemen in the area who could help it to continue.

Present servicemen are also welcome to meet at the Navy Club on the second Thursday of every month, he said.

"They are quite welcome to come along and have a chat and tell us what it's like these days," said Mr Johnson.

While the Rafa still has a membership of about 300, fewer than 20 come through the doors on the club's busiest nights, so it will close on October 31.

Mr Johnson said of the RNA: "We have a meeting just once a month and have a drink.

"But we are getting down to three, four, five people, because we are getting on a bit."

For reasons of age and health, some of the members find it difficult to make it to the club for their monthly drop of rum with fellow Navy men.

"We may have to disband the Navy association," he said.

To illustrate its plight, he said: "At the annual meeting to elect the committee, we say 'everybody here is on the committee'."

John Sanderson, secretary and president, said: "We've got about 15 members at the moment. At one time we had in excess of 400.

"We are all old fuddy-duddies at the moment, some in our 70s and others getting on to their 80s."

Anybody who wants to find out more can contact Mr Sanderson on (01325) 263193.