MARCHAM village youth club has been forced to close its doors because it is not attracting enough youngsters.

The club meets at the Sports, Scouts and Social Club, in Morland Road, but dwindling numbers have forced the club to disband. In recent weeks, only two children attended the sessions.

Chairman Dave Hutchinson said he hoped it was not the end of the line for the 30-year-old club.

He said: "We have not got enough youngsters who want to take advantage of the club. We are happy to run with eight to 10 children twice a week, but in the past two weeks we have been down to two.

"Financially, we are fine. And the door is left open if the group wants to restart. We're just going through a bit of a trough."

He added: "It's a shame. I think the needs of kids these days are the same but the way they meet these needs is different.

"The club has to meet the needs of all age groups, which makes it difficult for the leaders."

The youth club normally meets twice each week on Monday and Thursday evenings and children aged between 11 and 16 take part in activities such as table tennis and crafts, as well as trips like bowling and ice skating.

Mr Hutchinson said: "The youth of the village are the future of the village and the youth club helps give them a sense of ownership and a strong degree of affinity to the village."

Youth club leader of 20 years, Chris Ricketts, said: "It is a shame, we tried desperately to keep it open by organising meetings but only two or three came. We had a group of teenagers and then they got old enough to drive and we have not had any since."

Mrs Ricketts, who is also a driving instructor in the village, added: "It is important because it is nice to be able to go into the village and everyone knows you. I have a strong relationship with lots of the youngsters but it is a shame there are not any around who feel they can come to the youth club."