A LONG-STANDING athletics club is facing closure unless new members can be found.

Boreham Wood Athletics Club, which was established in 1957, has seen numbers dwindle to single figures in recent years.

Chairman Secretary Pauline Poole,67, who has been at the helm for more than 30 years, said the club was a long way from its heyday in the 1970s when it boasted dozens of athletes.

However, optimistic the London 2012 games will rejuvenate interest, Ms Poole said: “In 1948 the town got athletics fever as the last London Olympics brought the marathon and 50km walk to Borehamwood.

“We need to replicate that excitement and encourage more kids to get involved with sport.”

Ms Poole said the club has in the past produced a few international athletes and this year it celebrated a long overdue medal at the county games.

Ms Poole added: “The talent is out there, I’m sure we have youngsters in the town that could be professional athletes one day - which would be great for the image of the town.”

The club, which currently receives no financial help, is looking to the council for support in its hour of need.

Ms Poole will write to councillors, but is also asking parents to get involved and encourage their children to join in.

The club has traditionally been open to people of all ages, but due to numbers dropping has more recently concentrated on youngsters up to the age of 17.

The club meets every Tuesday at Hertswood School, in Thrift Farm Lane, from 6pm to 7pm, at a cost of £1 per session.

If you are interested in joining or can help support the club in some way, contact Ms Poole on 0208 2072852.