A village-based charitable trust is calling for help after the forced closure of its luncheon club for the elderly.

Rising costs and a static income have led to the closure of the long-established club hosted at the Winsford Centre at Halwill Junction. It has been running for more than a decade.

The luncheon club provided transport to the centre, hot meals, supervised bathing, library access and a variety of social activities twice a week for around 20 elderly people. The sessions provided full-time carers with much needed respite.

Winsford Trust chairman Ian Sanders said: 'It was a decision we took with much regret and after much heart-searching.

'Unfortunately, over the last few years, costs, particularly electricity and heating oil costs, and the price of diesel fuel, have risen far faster than the income we could generate, even with generous support from local sponsors, notably Anglers Paradise and Lamisell Ltd.

'The last straw was the demise of our ageing minibus, which was essential to the operation of the club, but has been increasingly swallowing up income in repair costs.

'The board of trustees will be working hard to develop the centre's income to the point where we have the long-term resources to offer a reliable and enhanced service to the senior members of Halwill Junction and the surrounding communities.

'To that end, the trust hopes that the community will rally to support the trust's efforts to raise the necessary funds. In the meantime the Winsford Centre remains available to any local organisation or business that wishes to take advantage of what it has to offer.'

'Some people might question our decision to close the luncheon club, having read recently that English Heritage has earmarked a substantial amount of money for the Winsford Centre. That funding is, of course, for restoring the fabric of the Grade II listed building. Also, it is dependent on the trust raising a substantial contribution to the project.

'That is another reason why we need the community to support our efforts to preserve a unique resource for everyone's benefit.'

Centre manager Miriam Fallon said: 'If we are to re-open the luncheon club, we need to make sure it's sustainable.

'The lack of a minibus also affects other services we offer here. The Stowford Brownies and the youth group hire the bus, and that of course is now affected.

'We're always on the lookout for volunteers and anyone who can help the centre financially, and hope those who can help get in touch.'

Local resident Miriam Fallon expressed her sadness at the closure in a letter to the Times: 'This was a great example of the Big Society. When the NHS pulled out of Winsford Hospital, local people came together to ensure there was a continued provision to elderly, frail and disabled people in this rural location.

'The sudden closure has left some carers really struggling as their all-important respite care has gone, and I'm sure the many users of the centre are equally disappointed.'

The Winsford Trust came into being in 1999 following the closure of Winsford Cottage Hospital.

Led by the Winsford Hopsital League of Friends, the local community formed a committee in partnership with Age Concern Torridge to secure the ownership and development of the building for the benefit of the area.

To find out how you can help the centre or for further information, call 01409 221470, or visit http://www.winsfordtrust.org.uk">www.winsfordtrust.org.uk