A VILLAGE playgroup could close unless it is able to attract more children.

The group, in Washington Village, was registered in August to cater for children aged two-and-a-half to school age, but so far the response has been poorer than expected.

Andrea Mather, who runs the group and has been a qualified playgroup leader for three years, said yesterday that she believed the group offered a vital local service.

She said: "When we set up the playgroup last month we were confident that we would be making a real difference to parents of young children living in Washington.

"But we have been really disappointed by the response we have had for places so far.

"I still believe there are lots of parents who need good quality childcare, but so far they have yet to come forward.

"It took a lot of hard work to get the playgroup officially up and running, and it would be a real shame to lose the facility now."

The playgroup is the only one in the area with established links to Washington Village School.

It received help from Sunderland's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Kate Hinchliffe, from the partnership, said yesterday: "We need more playgroups like this in Sunderland, and to lose one would be a great shame."

For further information contact Andrea Mather, on 0191-419 4038.