A long-established branch of the Women’s Institute has closed because no-one has come forward to run it.

Chirton and District WI combined its Christmas party at Marden Village Hall with a suspension meeting.

The group, started in 1927, has three years to decide if it wants to be reinstated.

President Diane Pawling thanked all previous presidents, officers, committees and members.

Wiltshire Federation secretary Stephanie Pawling said: “The closures of WIs doesn’t happen that often, but it is not totally unusual. There is about one a year.

“In Chirton’s case, it was just that the membership was getting older and no-one felt able to put themselves forward as officers.

“But we will not be losing the membership as most will join groups in Woodborough, Pewsey or Urchfont.”

Anyone interested in reviving the WI can write to: The Secretary, Wiltshire Federation of WIs, WI House, 17 Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB or call 01380 739340.