Don’t let 50 years service to the community come to an end, say officials.

Axminster Lions’ Club needs help to roar again.

A declining membership in recent time has seen the organisation forced to cut down on its commitments.

Now the drive has begun to encourage more people to join the group.

Secretary Martin Mynard said: “As we are approaching the 50th Year of Lions International in Axminster, one thing is sadly becoming apparent, the membership is getting fewer as age and health creep up on us and we have to cut down on commitments as a result of this.

“Lions have a proud tradition in Axminster and surrounding areas. We have helped countless people in need, brought smiles to faces both young and old at Christmas time with our Santa float and message in a bottle scheme.

“Knowing a person’s condition and medication, enables them to get appropriate treatment much more speedily and many lives have been saved.”

Mr Mynard said that the Lions have plans to bring back their Santa Float which toured the housing estates of Axminster and surrounding villages.

“It is to be run as a community project, involving everyone from businesses in the town down to the willing teenager,” he explained.

“We also have brought into being a fundraising coach trip to enjoy the spectacle of Bridgwater Carnival in November and would be interested in organising trips to other destinations throughout the year, with suggestions welcome.

“But all this will disappear if the club does not get any more members to continue the hard but rewarding work and commitment of the current band of volunteers.

“It is easy to sit at home or roam the streets complaining that there is nothing to do. Otherwise there will be 50 years of history and effort all being in vain if there is nobody willing to carry it forward.”

Anyone who would like to help is asked to send an e-mail to axminsterlions@yahoo.com providing their contact details and any skills/interests they may have and could bring to the club. A member of the committee will then get in touch with them to discuss and invite them to one of the club meetings.