A LIFELINE social club which was at risk of closing with “only a few pounds in the bank” has been saved after receiving a vital bail-out.

The Thursday Club, in Sible Hedingham, made a desperate appeal for funding in a bid to survive.

The club needed about £1,000 to keep offering the service for people over the age of 55.

It now has enough cash to keep on running after a generous grant from Sible Hedingham Parish Council and a number of independent donations.

The club meets on the second Thursday of the month in Sible Hedingham Snooker Club Hall.

Members pay a £5 annual membership and a small fee each month, but that was no longer enough to keep the club running.

Spokesman Jayne Laken said the funds raised will help keep the club running for another year.

She said: “Older people with health issues who live in the village can find it very difficult to get out.

“The club is a lifeline to quite a lot of people and a way of socialising.

“It isn’t designed for people to come along and pay a fortune to join.

“It’s just for people to come and listen to speakers, socialise, have a tea and cake, and enjoy an afternoon out of the house in a different environment.

“It’s very significant for older people who live in Sible Hedingham.”

Lisa Heywood, of Finishing Touch Hairdressers in the village, has been raising funds to help keep the club open.

She is not a member but said it was clear to see how important the club is to tackle loneliness among older people in the village

She said: “The fundraising aspect is difficult for most charities which involve older people.

“Someone once said to me getting old isn’t cute, sexy or curable, so it is a real struggle.

“The social aspect is really important for people and it would be a real shame to lose it. Once it’s lost, things like that are rarely reincarnated.”

Lisa, 45, ran a raffle at her hairdressers in aid of the club, which raised £265 towards the funding.

She added: “If my mum were attending I know it would be good for her and I would want it to continue.

“We have a captive audience and it’s easy to raise funds here.”

Anyone interested in joining the group or would like help or advice can contact Jayne on 07540 720607.