The future of Dalbeattie and District Lions Club looks to have been secured after a successful appeal for new members.
Doubts were raised last month on whether the group could continue without an influx of new people.
But a last ditch bid by club president Lynda Burns to reverse the decline has paid off.
Four new members and more volunteers have signed up following an crunch open meeting in the town.
And now, according to Mrs Burns, the extra hands will make all the difference in keeping the local Lions group roaring.
She told the News: “It’s a big lift to morale and future prospects are looking a lot brighter.
“It means we now have enough helpers for our projects – for example, taking older people out on the community buses for their trip to Threave.
“We will also be able to renovate three benches on the lower path between Kippford and Rockcliffe.
“There will be more volunteer help available for the shop as well.
“Hopefully our work will now be spread out more evenly among the club members.
“It takes the pressure off the ones who have been keeping it going.”
Lynda thanked Dalbeattie Primary School head teacher Elizabeth Duncan and Dalbeattie Community Initiative business manager Michelle McRobert, both keen supporters of the club, for highlighting its work at the meeting.
The aid effort in Ukraine is currently a major focus for its local fundraising activities.
Lynda said: “The Lions is a global institution and there are Lions clubs in Ukraine.
“Everything we raise for Ukraine in Dalbeattie goes directly through the Lions Club International Foundation to the Ukrainian clubs and they help out where they can with the money.”
She added: “The members we have pay a subscription to join which helps not just locally but internationally as well.
Anyone wanting more information can drop in to the Lions Club shop at 6-8 Mill Street, email dalbeattielions@gmail.com or contact Lynda on 07434 668946.
