A DUDLEY Boys’ Brigade group has been awarded £2,600 to help with its running costs and is appealing for new members to help it survive.

The 4th Dudley Boys’ Brigade Company, which is based at Northfield Road Primary School, has been running for over three decades, but has started to see dwindling numbers.

The group was set up by Captain Round, at Noah’s Ark Methodist Church in Netherton 31 years ago and regularly entertained over 30 children at one time.

But following the chapel’s closure, the brigade moved to Northfield Road Primary School.

The company then relocated to Central Methodist Church in Blackheath, because as it was a Christian organisation, it ideally needed to be based in a church.

But because numbers started to quickly drop off, the group moved back to Northfield Road school in the hope of attracting new members.

The group has also recently secured £2,600 from Birmingham Community Foundation’s Grassroots Grants, which will cover the venue hire costs for the near future.

And leaders are now looking to recruit more young members, both male and female to join them.

Leader Lieutenant Richard Johnson, said: “We are now a Boys’ Brigade and a Girls’ Association and are inviting new members to join us who would enjoy playing in a marching band, team games like football, basketball, bowling, swimming, orienteering and crafts.

“We only have one young girl member at the moment, so we would especially like to have more females.”

Members can join from five years-old up to 18.

For more information contact Richard on 07733 55 2000 or visit boys-brigade.org.uk