Skipton'S Townswomen's Guild which has been promoting the education and social awareness of women for more than 50 years has been forced to fold.

In its heyday the group had more than 100 members and a waiting list, and met once a month in Skipton Town Hall.

Its sub groups included clubs for activities like drama, art and crafts, and country dancing.

But over the years membership has declined and fewer younger women have been willing to join.

Beryl Eastwood was at the inaugural meeting in about 1955. She said that so many people wanted to be part of the group that two Guilds were formed - one which met in the evening and the other in the afternoon. Eventually they were amalgamated.

Mrs Eastwood did stints as secretary and chairman in the 1960s, but 40 years on offered to take on the chairmanship again in a bid to keep the Guild alive.

Similarly current chairman Winifred Lowcock, 87, is completing her second term as chairman, the first being in the 1970s.

Mrs Lowcock said membership had dropped to about 16 and the group met once a month in St Andrew's Church Hall.

She said it was sad that no younger people were coming through to shoulder some of the burdens, and that five Guilds across the country had folded this year.

Mrs Lowcock said that finances had also been tight with rises in the hire of the meeting room and in subscriptions to the national Guild. It has also proved difficult to find guest speakers.

Secretary Hilda Dessent said all members had enjoyed the Guild's meetings and would be sad to see it go. Another stalwart was social secretary Florence Chew.

The Townswomen's Guild most recent topics for discussion have been the closure of sub post offices and changes in pensions, and domestic violence. Members have debated the issues at national conferences and lobbied MPs.