TIME and money is running out for a village playgroup after a span of 30 years.

With only two children attending some afternoon sessions of the Kirklevington Old School Playgroup, on Teesside, it is uncertain whether there will be enough money to pay the wages of the two full-time staff after this month.

Unless more children can be found, the playgroup will close.

Playgroup leader Lorraine Buxton said: "The playgroup is charity-run and self-funding and has reached a situation where, unless more children can be found or we can receive some financial backing to help increase our funds, it will have to close at the end of this month.''

The old school building used by the playgroup is a Grade II-listed building, which celebrates its 150th birthday next year.

Mrs Buxton said: "Due to the rising costs of gas, electric, water, etc, as well as finding funds for the upkeep of the building, we are struggling to keep going.''

The playgroup is run by a steering group of parents.

Mrs Buxton said: "The committee has actually said finances are that bad we have not enough money to pay staff wages and overheads.

"We actually got through last month, but we are not going to have enough funding this month.''

The amount of income made by the playgroup, based at Kirklevington, near Stockton, is dictated by the number of children attending daily morning and afternoon sessions.

Mrs Buxton is concerned many local people may not realise the playgroup is open every day of the week.

The playgroup also provides a 'wraparound' service with Kirklevington Primary School, and its closure would have a knock-on effect for the school.