A club which offers friendship and activities for older people is appealing for new members.

The Beck Seniors club was formed 20 years ago and, at the height of its popularity, had 65 members - but now numbers have dwindled to an average of about a dozen every week.

The group meets each Thursday from 2pm-3.30pm at the Beck Community Centre on Kendal's Heron Hill estate. Some weeks there are speakers, other weeks feature crafts and games sessions and there are also occasional outings.

"It is not clear why numbers are down," said Beck Seniors president Margaret Rodgers. "It is a big estate and you wonder why people don't come."

"The younger grandmas often have to look after their grandchildren because all the parents are at work," suggested vice-president Joan Crook-Day.

"The club is for people aged 55 plus," said Mrs Rodgers, 82, of Wray Crescent. "The aim is friendship and to offer somewhere for older people to meet.

"I started the club because Barbara Studholme, the lady who helped get the Beck Community Centre built, knew I had set up a similar club in the past and asked me if I would be interested in setting one up here. I thought it would be good because there is not a lot of things for the older person."

The cost to attend each meeting is just £2, which includes tea and biscuits and entry into a raffle. There is an annual coffee morning to raise funds but the club is finding it hard to cover its costs, which include rent of the room and hiring a coach to go on outings to places such as Hayes Garden World at Ambleside and Oswaldtwistle Mills.

Forthcoming talks at the club include Anne Hogg talking about Aloe vera products on September 22 and Alan Hart giving a slide show on October 6.

Other highlights will be when Heron Hill School pupils entertain with Christmas songs on December 8 and a Christmas lunch.

Mrs Rodgers urged local people to attend the group. "You are welcome. Come along and enjoy what we do," she said.

Anyone interested should simply turn up at 2pm on Thursdays or can telephone 01539 725920 for further details.