GREENOCK'S Royal Air Force Club is mounting a new recruitment drive to combat falling membership.

The number of people joining has fallen from 400 to 120 at the Ardgowan Square club, which opened in 1947.

While it is not in danger of closing, they say they need more people to use the facilities.

A �10,000 lottery grant has been used to install new heating and decorate part of the club, which includes a function suite capable of holding 120 people as well as a bar, pool and snooker tables, a gaming machine, TV room and a small library.

Club secretary, Frank Stewart, said he wanted to dispel a myth about the club.

He said: "Many people seem to think you need to be, or have been, a member of the RAF to join our club, but that's not true.

"We're open to anyone over the age of 18, and our premises are suitable for a wide range of functions including weddings or anniversaries." Frank said membership started to dip when the shipyards closed.

He said: "We are 'washing our face' financially and don't owe money, but we really need more members.

"Membership costs �25 a year and entitles members to a range of facilities." The club employs four part-time bar staff and a cleaner, but has had to cut back on opening hours because of falling membership and is now open in the evening from Wednesday to Sunday.

Frank said: "We want to open every night of the week, but we need more members in order to do that." Anyone interested in joining the club or booking the facilities should call club mistress Sharon Mooney on 720897 during opening hours or treasurer Martin Campbell on 718135.