A DALTON playgroup is to close its doors for the final time next month.

Jack and Jill Preschool Playgroup is to shut after more than 40 years on July 20.

Parents were informed of the decision at a meeting last week.

A letter issued to parents the next day said: "The whole staff and committee feel deeply saddened as, over the years, we have provided fantastic child care, improved the facilities and achieved so much more and become part of the wider community.

"Knowing we can no longer create a tree for the tree festival at St Mary's Church, visit the Centenary Centre to sing, raise funds for Children in Need or Comic Relief is so disappointing.

"We want to thank you all for your continued support over the years, donating things such as snacks and crafts, attending fundraising events, bringing your children here, creating good relationships with staff and believing in us."

The playgroup said a number of factors had led to the "sad and difficult decision," including a decrease in the number of children attending, national minimum wage increases and less support in fundraising events, as well as the end of sustainability funding available from Cumbria County Council.

Claire Round, manager of the group, said: "I am devastated at this outcome and many things have upset me with this process.

"Myself and my team of staff have made so many positive impacts over the last seven years. I did apply for further funding to try and prevent the closure of the playgroup but it just couldn't be done.

"The bottom line is that all staff are losing their jobs, there will be no playgroup in Dalton-in-Furness from July and some children have no places yet.

"It's an end to an era I never thought I would see."

The playgroup has been running, in a number of places around Dalton, since October 1973, and will honour the past 44 years with a celebration on July 18.