ONE of the last amateur drama groups in a County Durham dale is appealing for fresh blood to save it from the final curtain.

The Phoenix Players, who rose from the ashes of a burnt-out band hut at Stanhope, in Weardale, 18 years ago, are in danger of folding if they cannot attract members.

They have set themselves a deadline of April 30 to recruit new players and backstage and technical volunteers.

"If we can't draw in some new blood, we are in very real danger of folding," said the group's secretary, Judith Marshall. "The situation is desperate.

"What we need ideally are new members, around 30 or younger, and that includes backstage help."

Mrs Marshall said that, at their annual meeting, the group agreed to give themselves one more chance of survival.

At present they have only seven members.

But if they get the right response to their appeal, they plan to stage a pantomime next February.

The Phoenix Players and the Wolsingham Amateur Dramatic Society, are the last two drama groups in Weardale.

Anyone wanting to join the group can contact Judith Marshall on (01388) 528593.