A toy library which opened almost 30 years ago could close within a month because of a lack of volunteers.

The library opened in 1974 and has hundreds of members using its service but only three core members battling to keep it running.

The service operates from Wellington Road in Brighton and originally catered for children with special needs and was designed to give their parents or carers a break.

Freda Long, who has been a committee member for 25 years, said: "It would be a terrible loss to the community if it were to close. We urgently need more parents to offer their voluntary time."

The library is a registered charity and is housed at St Gabriel's, a Children's Society facility.

The library offers hundreds of toys and videos to rent to members for a nominal fee of between 50p and £1.

Volunteers only have to offer a few hours a week or month. Those interested should call 01273 272592.