A FRIENDS’ group that has worked to improve a Darwen beauty spot for 10 years could be forced to disband.

The Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood has attracted tens of thousands of pounds of funding to the area and carried out more than 60 projects in a decade.

But despite having 80 members, the group is short of people willing to fill vacancies on the committee, left by older members who have stepped down.

Group chairman Dennis Gillibrand said: “We have a couple of vacancies on the executive committee, and if they aren’t filled then the group could be disbanded.

“The Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood is one of the most well-organised groups in Blackburn with Darwen with a membership to be admired.

“But it is vital for the continuation of the group that we attract a secretary and a funding officer.”

Friends groups from parks and woods across the borough regularly approach The Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood for advice.

In recent years, members have overseen a £10,000 renovation of the Ellis Gibson fishpond, the restoration of an Edwardian drinking fountain and sundial, the installation of wooden sculptures, and various projects to repair footpaths and buy benches. Everyday, members are in the wood carrying out litter picking duties.

Mr Gillibrand added: “We do so much, some people ask ‘what do the council do?’ “But we work closely with the council, especially during these economic times, and when we get funding and contractors in place, we hand the responsibility over.

“Anyone who wants to be on the committee needs a love of the wood and to be dedicated.”

Anybody interested in applying for a vacancy is asked to telephone Mr Gillibrand on 723504.