A last-ditch plea for help has been issued by a Rainbow guiding unit in Lowestoft amid warnings that it faces closure.

With the long-time leader of the 4th Oulton Broad Rainbow and Brownie Guide Unit due to retire this month, a search is under way to find someone willing to run the unit.

But the need is even more pressing for the Rainbow section as its assistant guider Wendy Furnish is also retiring, and there will not be enough adult group leaders left to cover her departure.

Mrs Furnish said: 'This week will be our last week unless we can find someone willing to come in. I've been involved in guiding for 35 years and with the Rainbow unit since 2006-7.

'There will be real sadness if we have to disband, particularly as we are a thriving unit that feeds into the Brownies.

'It will be a real shame for everyone involved.'

She added: 'We had a large intake in September but, because of the children to adult ratio being one to six for Rainbows, and as I only have a couple of ladies regularly helping me, we've been unable to take on any new members, despite interest.'

The Rainbow section currently has 11 members, all aged five to seven, and the 4th Oulton Broad Brownies pack boasts more than 20 members.

Both groups meet at St Mark's church centre in Oulton Broad on a Tuesday evening, with the Rainbows gathering from 4.45pm to 5.45pm and the Brownies from 5.55pm to 7pm.

The unit's overall leader Jeanette Hawkes is also retiring at the end of the month after more than 18 years with the movement so the need for new adult volunteers is urgent.

If you can help, ring Wendy Furnish on 01502 583352. Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk