The demise of a Burley-in-Wharfedale community organisation has been condemned as a tragedy.

The Burley Old People's Welfare Association started in 1954, providing elderly villagers with an opportunity to meet socially.

But a dwindling number of volunteers and no prospect of the ageing committee being replaced has led to the association being wound up.

Ella Stradling, 77, secretary of the association, said: "It is very sad but we have made lots of appeals for new people to come forward. No-one seems to want to know."

Members met fortnightly in the Queen's Hall to enjoy a chat and listen to a guest speaker. Visits and excursions would also be arranged two or three times a year.

The association's books are now with auditors and Mrs Stradling said there was no chance of a last-minute reprieve.

"We have held the final meeting. I would like to think there would be people who would want to become volunteers, but I just can't see it happening," she said.

Numerous appeals had been made for help, but all had yielded no response, she said.

The demise of the association has also upset committee member Mary Chappelow. Mrs Chappellow has been involved with the association for about seven years.

She said a small core of volunteers had worked extremely hard to try and keep the association afloat, but to no avail.

At its peak, about 100 people would attend meetings in the Queen's Hall, but that figure had dropped to about 30.

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