ONE of Chorley's oldest swimming clubs could be forced to close its doors after the departure of two of its instructors.

Chorley Swimming Club, which has been running for more than 30 years, cannot stay open unless it finds two more volunteers to help coach non-swimmers.

The club takes local children from the age of three and has helped produce swimmers who have competed at international level.

Club secretary Irene Bolton explained: "One of our instructors has had to retire due to ill health and one has left for college.

"If we do not find anyone to help out then we will have to close. It is as simple as that."

Irene and her husband Stanley, of Watkin Road, Clayton-le-Woods, became involved in the club after returning from a holiday in 1976 when they got into difficulty after accidentally stepping off an underwater ledge at Hembsy-on-Sea.

They vowed to make sure their two boys, Karl, then nine and Mark, six, knew how to swim and their involvement with the group grew until Stanley became secretary several years later. His wife Irene took over the post in the early 1980s.

The retired couple have helped thousands of local children to learn to swim but fear that the club may have to close if help is not found.

Volunteers willing to take classes should contact Irene or Stanley on 01257 412685.