FEARS have been voiced that one of the oldest playgroups in Galashiels could be forced to close - unless it can find a new meeting place.

St Peters under fives currently meets in the Hayward Scout Hall, in the town's St John Street, and has been running for the past 22 years.

However, despite currently enjoying a discount on its rent, chairperson Lynne Aitchison revealed plans to increase the cost of hiring the building means the playgroup can no longer afford to continue there.

She revealed they have contacted a number of local businesses and politicians in a bid to find alternative accommodation but so far without success. And now she has contacted the Border Telegraph to appeal to readers for their help. Lynne said: "We really need to find new premises.

"We have around 20 children attending on different numbers of days throughout the week. It is a very well run playgroup with two experienced playleaders, Kareen Marcs and Alison Nichol, and the children really enjoy attending.

"I send my own son and feel he gets so much from it. I have seen great improvements in his social skills and confidence.

"The Scouts have been really good giving us a discounted rent. But when they put the rent back up in August we will find this very difficult to afford." And she added: "It would be quite likely we will have to close."

St Peters under fives was first formed by former headteacher Margaret Bonner in the 1980s but now has no connection to the primary school of the same name. It has met at various venues over the years and currently meets five days a week.

However, concerns are growing that playtime for the group, which won first prize in this year's Braw Lad's fancy dress competition during the town's annual gala week, is nearly over.

Lynne said: "We have tried a number of schools and local premises and have contacted local councillors Sandy Aitchison and John Mitchell and also MSP Christine Grahame, all of whom have been trying to help find premises."

But she added: "As well as somewhere cheaper we also need somewhere which has enough storage for toys and that would pass a Care Commission inspection."

On Saturday, the playgroup held a sponsored wax at the Salmon Inn, Galashiels, in a bid to raise vital funds to keep going.

Lynne enlisted the support of friends Peter Cockburn and Lawrence McPherson - an ex Braw Lad. And local beautician Jennifer Clark, who works at Body and Soul in Soul hairdressers, in the town's Channel Street, volunteered to help.

Despite their pained expressions, Marc Lipscombe, who had only intended to watch the fundraiser, was so impressed by their commitment that he too volunteered to be waxed on the night. And together they raised around �600.

Lynne said: "I would like to thank those who sponsored, attended and made the night possible and also thank Marc Lipscombe who got us an extra �100 by deciding on the night he would also be waxed - much to the delight of his partner, Karen Grieve.

"We have also recently had an offer of a donation from Howdens, Galashiels, which we appreciate very much."

And she added: "We would be willing to spend some of our fundraising money to pay for any upgrades required if somewhere suitable was found. Anyone who can help with premises or would like to help our funds to keep our fantastic playgroup going can contact me on 07736017676. Hopefully someone will come to our rescue."

St Peters under fives meets in the Scout Hall, Galashiels, Monday to Friday, from 9.15am to 11.45am for children aged two plus. It also hosts a drop-in playsession for children aged under two on a Tuesday between 9.30am and 11.30am.