A CLACKS baby and toddler group is appealing for new committee members to ensure the group can continue.

The St Mungo's RC Parent & Toddler Group has been running for more than 30 years and currently operates within St Mungo's RC recreational hall every Wednesday.

However, due to a lack of interest in new parents or carers joining the committee, the group is currently closed and may not be able to reopen.

Having been a key part of the community for three decades means those who used to attend have now grown up and brought their own kids to the group.

Sessions consist of lots of free play, a healthy snack and 30 minutes with an Active Start co-ordinator from Clackmannanshire Council.

The group usually meet in the hall throughout the year and move sessions outdoors in July – weather permitting – and take a break at Christmas.

It is open to all children from across Forth Valley from birth up to the age of five.

However, with many children in the group moving on to full-time nursery or school over the past year and a half, the group has now closed.

Without a committee in place to drive the reopening, it will not be possible.

Claire Brown, who is currently part of the committee and has been involved with the group for seven years, is hoping new committee members can help reopen the group.

She said: "Myself and another couple of mums have been running the group for the past [number of] years, but our children have moved on which is why we're trying to a new committee organised and hand the reigns over to new parents or carers."

Not only is the group great for Wee County kids, but it's a great way for parents and carers to get some social interaction.

Claire continued: "The group itself is so beneficial for the children to build on their social skills, there's not a huge amount of groups in the area.

"For parents, just that social interaction with other mums is brilliant, just to get out the house for an hour and have a cup of tea, have a chat and keep an eye on your kids in a safe environment so it's equally beneficial for parents and kids."

Responsibilities of the committee include opening the hall, setting up toys and activities and organising snacks.

Claire continued: "It's not a huge amount to do, it's just got to be organised. The committee's really just there to ensure something is organised."

Anyone who is interested in joining the committee can contact Claire, Emma or Gillian at stmungostg@googlemail.com or by visiting @StMungosToddlerGroup on Facebook.