VillagerS who want to save a sports field from possible housing development are asking other residents for help.

After 50 years, Middleton Cheney Playing Fields Association is in crisis. Volunteers are urgently needed to prevent its committee from folding.

Committee member Tracy King said: "We struggle to get a quorum at our meetings and at the last get-together two more members resigned."

She said that without a comm- ittee the running of the playing field would pass to the Charities Commission and the village would lose control of the amenity.

Mrs King said: "We know developers are keen to buy the land and we think villagers should remain in charge of the field so that future generations will be able to enjoy the open space and sports facilities."

The association's annual meeting is on Tuesday (March 13) at 7.30pm in the social club on Astrop Road, and is open to all residents.