IT is hoped that a new, more modern branch of Royal National Lifeboat Institution could be set up following the disbandment of the old Skipton ladies' group.

The 70-year-old guild was dismantled after its annual general meeting earlier this year because of difficulties recruiting committee members.

Now Valerie Nixon, senior area fundraising manager, is hopeful that the group could be reformed in six months' time.

She said: "We are sad to see the ladies' branch go, but I would like to think that it opens new opportunities."

The town's branch was formed in 1933 as the Skipton and Craven Ladies Guild, but changed its name to a branch several years ago.

However this failed to attract any male interest and it's hoped that if a new group can be set up men and younger people would join.

Past officers and members would also be welcomed. "Once RNLI gets into your blood you never lose it. It's such a great charity," Mrs Nixon commented.

Over the years the group has raised an average of £7,000 a year through flag days, coffee mornings, collections, garden parties and raffles. This year's house-to-house collection brought in £4,000.

Mrs Nixon said that she was sad the branch had had to disband.

But she added: "One must accept that when people have given 20 or 30 years to a charity the time comes when they want to take a back seat and quite rightly so."

Norma Newton, of Millholme Rise, Embsay, who joined the group in 1974, said a lot of the members had been involved with the charity for a number of years.

She said that she would support the re-establishing of the Skipton branch. "It's the charity that's closest to my heart," she said.

She also backed the recruiting of men and younger people: "I think it needs to come more into the 21st century. Things have to move on."

The Skipton branch of the charity was set up in 1933 by Jessie Blossom Coulthurst, later Mrs Henderson, and the first meeting was attended by Lady Haggas, Miss Duckett, Mrs Edmondson, Mrs Lister, Mrs McKenzie and Mrs Heslop.

Anyone interested in helping to re-establish the branch can call Valerie Nixon on 01423 881000.