A CHARITY dedicated to supporting serving and former members of the RAF and their families has issued an appeal for volunteers to help keep its last branch in Hambleton district open.

Members of the Thirsk branch of the Royal Air Forces Association have launched the drive following the Northallerton group closing, due to falling membership.

While the association's membership peaked in 1947, it continues to operate a network of 422 branches worldwide, and has a membership of more than 63,500.

The number of serving and former RAF personnel living in the area is unknown, but it is thought to be significant with numerous operational and former RAF stations, such as Leeming, Topcliffe and Linton-on-Ouse, Catterick and Dishforth in the area.

Area director Darrell Slater-Smith said it was important for the charity to retain the branch as it meant those seeking support could receive help from "people who had been at the coalface".

He said: "There is a misconception that you have to have served in the RAF to be a member, but it's there for family members, contractors who have worked at RAF bases and anyone who has an affinity with aircraft.

"If a branch closes nothing replaces them."

He said while the branch, which meets in the Royal British Legion Club, in Kirkgate, offered social opportunities, its principle function was providing a wide-range of welfare support, including home visits, respite care breaks, advice and, in some circumstances, financial assistance.

The association is running a Storybook Wings initiative to ease the pain of separation for children with parents serving overseas, by providing equipment for parents to record a bedtime story along with a personal message for their children.

Members then edit the stories and add sound effects before sending it on a CD to the child.

The branch also undertakes fundraising activities, from street collections to craft fairs, and stages subsidised events for its members.

A spokeswoman for the branch said: "We are simply here to ensure that members of the RAF family past and present are never left alone or in need.

"We were saddened to hear of the recent closure of the Northallerton branch and would like to extend a welcome to any existing or potential new members to affiliate with Thirsk."

The branch is inviting anyone interested in learning more about its work to its meeting on Wednesday, October 20, at 7.15pm.

For details, call 01845-526898.