A FISTFUL of fun-loving volunteers are desperately needed to save a much-loved children's disco which has entertained families for decades

Junior discos for seven to12-year-olds have always been held monthly at the Ian Clough Hall, Baildon and attract some 70 youngsters.

The event was run by local Girl Guide groups, but meeting current safety and security rules meant that the future of the "Cloughy Disco" was in doubt.

However, ten-year-old Baildon schoolgirl Cassidy Rozee, who is a big fan of the night out, suggested to her dad, Andy, that they should try to protect the popular Friday evening attraction.

She then collected nearly 100 signatures from local children asking for it to be saved. Mr Rozee showed the petition to Baildon councillor and Conservative Children's Services spokesman Debbie Davies.

Cllr Davies suggested that Bradford Council play officers should take over management - a move that has been agreed.

And last week there was a public meeting to try and recruit volunteers.

"Unfortunately word may not have got around to people that the meeting was taking place as we only got five volunteers," Cllr Davies said.

"It was also early on Friday evening when lots of parents would have been busy feeding children after school.

"In order for the Cloughy Disco to continue we need a pool of 15 volunteers who will work on a rota basis with four or five being on duty every six weeks.

"This is a lovely, safe way for children to get out and socialise and all we need to make it work as a few more volunteers as the council has given its full support to keeping the disco running," Cllr Davies said.

Mr Rozee also urged people to come forward and help.

He said: "The Cloughy disco is important to help keep kids off the streets and doing positive things.

"It's somewhere they can play safely and be supervised using their time well.

"And it's also a fun place where they can spend time away from parents and develop as themselves - plus let off steam and a lot of energy," Mr Rozee said.

Cllr Davies asked any would-be volunteers to contact Bradford Council's Shipley Area Co-ordinator's Area office on 01274 437146 or email shipleyareaneighbourhoodforums@bradford.gov.uk

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, added: "It is great that we are able to support what is a well-loved disco."