A GUIDES group could be forced to close if more volunteers do not come forward to run it.

Two Guides groups in the Blackwell area of Darlington are in desperate need of new leaders.

There are three Brownie packs in Blackwell, but many of the young girls are preparing to move up to the Guides and there are not enough volunteers to run the Guides groups.

Judy Hills, from the Guide Association in Darlington, said: "We do not have enough Guiders to run the two Guides units comfortably and soon we shall have to make a decision on what to do.

"That could involve closing at least one unit."

The groups have recently been run by a rota of parents, but the Guide Association is eager to get established leaders in place who can strike up a relationship with the girls in the pack.

Guiders and unit helpers are all volunteers and must be willing to give up one evening a week.

Ms Hills said: "You will have a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you are helping to provide opportunities that some girls might never have otherwise, and showing them the joy that they can get from helping others.

"If you have never been a Guide, don't worry. And as a unit helper you do not have to go into uniform."

For information about volunteering telephone (01325) 487989.