A MUCH loved children's group is under threat of closure, after more than 40 years in existence.

Mary Tavy and Brentor Under 5s group has been a lifeline to parents from the village since 1972, holding three sessions a week from the Coronation Hall in Mary Tavy.

But the group is now under threat of closing due to a falling roll and resultant lack of funds.

Cheryl Downham, one of three people who run the group, said: 'There are not enough children in the area and it's becoming like a few other groups in the outlying villages where we could be sinking instead of floating.

'They enjoy our pre-school but unless we have an influx of people and children to the area, then we might only scrape through to July [2014].

'We want to see it through to the end but this is the sign of the times.'

Rachel Kinsella, from Mary Tavy, has a four-year-old daughter who attends the pre-school and she says that if it was to close next year, it would have a major impact on the children.

'Everyone is desperate to try and keep it open but all that can be done is to fundraise to pay the wages and for the use of the building.

'I think it would massively affect the structure of the group of friends the children have at the pre-school.

'As it's a feeder school the children go to primary together, but if it closes, the transition from pre-school to primary school is going to be very different. I do believe that the first year at primary will be much more difficult without the proper transition.

'The pre-school is such a small caring group with a small amount of children, but they need nine children to be financially sustainable.

'It's been open since 1972 and what a shame it would be to lose a little village pre-school as it does benefit all the villagers, and it will affect the village's children of the future.'

Wendy Wright, manager of the pre-school, which received a good Ofsted a year ago, said: 'Our main concern is we are the feeder pre-school for Mary Tavy and Brentor School and if we are going under then they could suffer.

'It's a vital amenity for the village and I know it's at the heart of the village.'

But Cheryl, Wendy and play leader Lorraine Beeley, and parents are not giving up that easily — they want to see the pre-school survive and thrive for the future and hope local residents will help.

Last Thursday (November 28) the group held a quiz night at the Coronation Hall, which managed to raise a total of £276 and saw around 80 people attend.

It was a boost to the group's morale, but more needs to be raised in order to try and keep the group afloat.

The next event organised to help raise funds will be a 'nativity play and sing-along' on Wednesday, December 18 at the Coronation Hall.

Local residents are all invited to join in and enjoy a mince pie and a coffee from 9.30am.

To contact the pre-school or to donate please call 07514024728 or visit http://www.marytavy">www.marytavy andbrentorunderfives.co.uk