A SPORTS club for young people has won a reprieve after new members swelled its ranks.

Dwindling numbers had left the junior section of Purley United Reformed Church Badminton Club facing closure as it struggled to pay its costs.

However, new youngsters joined on Saturday, with more planning to go next week. Joint manager David Juster said times are now looking up. He said: "If attendance stays in the region we had on Saturday, or indeed increases in numbers, then the club has no problem for the future."

"Obviously an increase to an average 15 to 20 members would be great, that is the target."

The club meets at the Brighton Road church each week, with youngsters aged 10 to 15 playing from 10am until noon and the seniors practise on Monday and Friday evenings.

For more information, visit www.purleybadminton.co.uk or call Mr Juster on 01689 800628 or 07957 182849.