A lonely hearts club is struggling to survive - because Cupid's arrow has struck most of its members.

Club Eclipse in Witham has seen more than 200 lonely hearts either get married, engaged or move in with their partner in the past four years.

The love-struck couples no longer have any need to attend the club's meetings - and there aren't enough new members joining.

The voluntary group, which meets at the Spring Lodge Community Centre, is now under threat because there are not enough members to pay for the social evenings.

Organiser Pat Livermore, who lives in Bocking, said: "We're finding that many potential members are too scared or frightened to join.

"But at the same time we're delighted that so many people have found partners. I think the success is largely due to the easy-going and friendly atmosphere we have at the disco nights.

"We desperately need more people and I'm also hoping that the couples we've had in the past will spread the word to their friends."

The group organises discos funded by contributions from members, but the club currently has only 40 people on its books and needs more members and cash to keep them running.

Mrs Livermore is keen to point out that the club, which is aimed at people in the Witham and Braintree areas, is different to a dating agency.

Club Eclipse places emphasis on group meetings and is aimed at single people, divorcees and widowers.

She added: "We can arrange one-to-one meetings if people want. But we find that once someone steps through the door, we will put them at ease straight away."

The next big night is a buffet and dance at the Spring Lodge Community Centre on Powers Hall End at 8pm on June 30.

For more information about Club Eclipse call Pat Livermore on 01376 321051.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.