THE secretary of the High Wycombe Central Aid Society, Mary Mitchell, said a desperate lack of funds could mean the charity may have to close after nearly 100 years.

Mrs Mitchell told members and volunteers the news at the society's 95th annual general meeting last week.

Cash flow problems may see the society go under after almost a century of care and advice to deprived members of the community.

High Wycombe Mayor Nigel Vickery and Chairman of Wycombe District Council Bill Jennings were present at AGM at the Reggie Goves Centre last Monday.

Cllr Vickery, who chaired the meeting, remarked in his opening address how proud Dame Francis Dove, headmistress of the Wycombe Abbey School in 1906 and founder of the charity, would feel knowing it would still be doing such good work almost 100 years later.

"It is the most respected and longest established charity in Wycombe and its work underpins much of the council's work," said Cllr Vickery.

The society, which is run from the Cornmarket in the High Street, High Wycombe, receives a £10,000 grant from Wycombe District Council but relies on donations and fundraisers to raise most of its cash.

It funds its own discount furniture warehouse in Desborough Road for cash-strapped families and runs a pensioner drop-in at the Reggie Goves centre.

According to the annual report there were more than 3,000 client inquiries and 7,500 leaflets and literature handed out.

Mrs Mitchell said: "Dame Francis Dove began by helping people who gathered outside the school gates. Donations and helpers are urgently needed."