LONG-term members of a popular Marlborough youth club have made a desperate plea for volunteers to keep it going as it is in danger of folding.

For the best part of a decade, pupils at St John's School have enjoyed going to Hangout@Devotion each week at the Wesley Hall, in Oxford Street, for an evening of games, music, sport, socialising and support.

However, the future of the youth club, which operates every Thursday from 7pm-8.30pm, is now in jeopardy as youth worker Blayze White says the group is barely managing and that it needs another three volunteers, on top of the three they have, to keep it running.

Teenagers from the youth club, for Year 7-12 pupils, explained why the club is so valuable to the town's youngsters.

Bradley Rooney, 17, said: "This is such an important club to so many of us. We come here to socialise but also to tell people about our day and having that there is so valuable.

"They always have supported us so well and it makes you want to keep coming back. It is a hugely popular club and it would be awful if we could not get more helpers in to help run it.

"For years I have looked forward to coming here. I have made some great friends, done some really fun things and become more confident, which is great. If someone can help us that would be great as it would kick up a storm if it did close.

Jade Lincoln, 15, said: "I would be gutted if it closed. I have been coming here for a good five years and because I have enjoyed it so much I have recommend others come too and they have.

"The youth workers are great. They have helped me personally and they really know how to keep us happy. They are a great bunch."

Kiera O'Malley, 14, said: "I would be distraught if it did close. It is something I really look forward to each week. I have been coming here for years and I love it. The youth workers are lovely. They advise us, constantly check that we are okay and are very reassuring."

Mr White said: "We are in dire need of volunteers. Realistically we need three new people, with a CRB check, to help out at a club that the children really love," he said. "They have a great time here, chilling and chatting but without a few more helpers, we will continue to struggle."

To volunteer call 07758 837233 or email either devotionyouthproject@hotmail.co.uk or youthworkermarlborough42@gmail.com