A NON-league football club could fold unless volunteers replace officials who are retiring.

Brandon United, facing relegation from the Arngrove Northern League's first division, is losing its long-serving chairman, treasurer and secretary.

Without them, the club, which won the league three years ago, will be unable to operate and will have to disband.

The County Durham club is holding a meeting tonight at which it hopes people will come forward to help it continue.

A similar appeal last year brought a few offers of help but no one was willing to act as an official.

Treasurer Ken Carr, 70, and chairman Neil Scott, who both have 30 years' service, and secretary Brian Richardson, who has been with the club for 15 years, decided to carry on but are now standing down.

Bill Fisher, treasurer of Brandon United FC Sports Club, which runs the clubhouse as a separate entity, said: "Things are not looking good. They are worse than last year.

"We really are up against it and I'll be amazed if we survive. There is a lack of people willing to get involved with local football now. It is very sad. It isn't just Brandon.''

Mr Fisher said the club had built up a strong youth squad and had been relying on young players in its senior side for most of the team.

But he feared it could all be lost if the club had to resign from the Northern League.

"It will be a very sad day if that happens,'' he added.

The meeting tonight will be held in the clubhouse, next to the ground, at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in one of the posts can also call secretary Brian Richardson on 0191-378 1373.