A SUPPORT group which has helped hundreds of stroke victims over 27 years could close because of dwindling membership.

At one point, Darlington Stroke Club attracted dozens of people to its weekly meetings from across the region.

But in recent years, interest has declined and now there are only five regular members.

Doreen Duguid attended the groups first meeting shortly after her father in law died of stroke.

Mrs Duguid, now 70, said: "It really helps to see other people in the same boat.

"Strokes can affect people in so many different ways.

At the meetings, people get a bit of moral support and ideas of how to cope.

"Some of them don't see anybody else all week, they really look forward to it.

"But if we don't get any more we may have to close."

The group meets at 10.30am on Fridays at St Augustine's Parish Rooms, on Larchfield Street, Darlington. All are welcome.

For more information contact Mrs Duguid on 01325-358626.