THE founders of a village bingo club are desperately seeking new players to prevent their club from folding.

Ursula and Maurice Lambden, who have run the Sherfield-on-Loddon bingo club for the last 14 years, have said they need to recruit at least 10 new players to cover the club's running costs.

The club, which meets on Monday evenings in the village hall, used to attract more than 100 players each week, but now the numbers have fallen to as little as 22.

For many members, the club provides their only opportunity to get out of their house and socialise with other people.

Mrs Lambden, 73, said: "It's like a lifeline to some of them. It's the only thing they do in the week.

"There are many different people who sit together and are just out to have a laugh and a joke."

The club has advertised for new members by putting up posters in nearby shops, and delivering leaflets to residents in the village, but has so far had a disappointing response.

Mrs Lambden said: "If we don't get new players we will just have to close down.

"I can't see myself being able to run it for just 20 people."

Mrs Lambden told The Gazette that some of the club's original members had moved away from the area or died, which had resulted in a fall in the number of players.

Mr Lambden added that the bingo club had also been badly affected since Club 2000 bingo opened at the West Ham Leisure Park in Basingstoke seven years ago.

He said: "People chase the £200 pay-out and not the £50 one."

Mrs Lambden said all new members would be made very welcome. She said: "I don't mind who comes along - the more the merrier. It's a really relaxed and happy atmosphere, and there's still plenty of life left in us golden oldies yet."

Anyone interested in taking part in the bingo sessions can contact Ursula Lambden on 01256 882898.