A PACK of Hampshire Brownies is desperately appealing for new leaders before its group is forced to disband.

The North Baddesley Rainbow group for five to seven-year-olds has already folded because the shortage of adult leaders is so severe. Now the area's Brownie pack, pictured, could go the same way, leaving more than 20 girls counting down their final days of camping, games and Brownie badges.

The group is currently being run temporarily by mums anxious to see it remain - but they are on an urgent hunt for a permanent Guider to take control.

District commissioner Angela Morcumb said: "The Brownie pack is hanging on by the skin of its teeth at the moment. If it shuts down it will be very difficult to start it up again. It's more difficult to open it than find people, so it's getting rather urgent now.

"People are very willing to come along and help each week but it's making that bit more of a commitment to become a Guider."

She said the Rainbow group faded away this summer when the leader hit 65 and had to retire. With meetings held between 5pm and 6pm, Angela said it restricted possible leaders to those who don't work - and no one came forward.

Fourteen youngsters saw their favourite club disappear and the 20 girls on the waiting list were also bitterly disappointed.

Angela added: "We just don't want that to happen to the Brownies too. We need people who like working with children. Maybe they are former Guides who have some time to spare and want to put something back in."

Anyone who thinks they could become a Brownie or Rainbow leader should call Angela 023 8078 0646.