Ottery Gardening Club will fold at the end of December after 41 years of operating.

Committee members voted this week to close down the group on Saturday, December 31, following a decline in membership and financial losses despite an increase in events.

Chairman Brian Nelson added the loss of the club’s two shows and a ‘disappointing’ lack of attendance to guest lectures were also a factor.

In a statement to members, the committee said: “The reasons for this decision are the falling number of members and the loss of both of our shows this year due to a small number of entries making it uncompetitive.

“There appears to be less interest in the gardening club, but we believe that even more effort on the part of the committee will be unlikely to improve matters.”