TWO Hyndburn charities established eight years ago are to disband after a dramatic fall in membership.

The Hyndburn Epilepsy Support Group and the Epilepsy Organisation will merge with the national Fund for Epilepsy (FFE). At their peak the two groups had more than 20 members, but are now down to six.

They will meet for the last time at 1pm on Sunday, June 16, at the Cannon Street Baptist Church, Accrington. After that their assets will be given to the FFE.

Alexander Ross, one of the founder members of the groups, said between one and two per cent of the population suffered from the disease, but the Government only put half a million pounds a year into research.

"It's very sad to see people who have helped the charity become sick and disabled, unable to cope themselves.

"That's the worst side. But we have to look on the positive side. We have given it our best shot and provided whatever help we could. There is still work to be done but I'm trying to be realistic."