A long-established play group saved from closure just 12 months ago is facing the axe once again due to dropping numbers.

Mums Wendy Neeson and Zoe Cramer took over the running of the St Margaret's First Steps parent and toddler group, in Rainham, last September when the previous leader left.

But just one year on, they have made a desperate plea for families to join them so they do not have to shut down.

The play group celebrated its 30th birthday last year, but is facing closure because of dwindling numbers.

Wendy, 37, of Roberts Road, Rainham, and Zoe, 33, of Maidstone Road, Rainham, are struggling to pay the rent at the Millennium Centre, in Gatekeeper's Chase, where weekly sessions are held.

Zoe said: "It's just gone really quiet at the moment. It is run through the church so there are no funds and we are doing it for nothing.

"We currently only have about four families using the centre. We used to have around 20 families.

"It will be a massive shame if it closes. It will mean there won't be anywhere for these people to go and we're just all a lovely family here.

"We need around 10 families, but more if possible, to come on a regular basis to be able to keep the centre going."

The sessions, held every Friday from 1pm to 2.30pm, include games, arts, crafts, singalongs and other activities for pre-schoolers.

Zoe believes the group has suffered because it is having to compete with a nearby Sure Start centre.

She added: "The Sure Start centre is free to go to, whereas we charge £2, but it is good for the children because it means that they have different people to play with.

"I think the church can easily fill the space with another group who can afford to pay for it, so if it doesn't pick up within the next two school terms they are thinking about closing it.

"We still want to carry it on, but without people coming here we cannot do that."

To find out more about the St Margaret's play group or to join the sessions, phone 01634 362023.