WYRE Forest Flames could be forced to take time out on their hoop dream of playing competitive basketball because of a lack of funding.

The Wyre Forest Community Basketball Club, based at Kidderminster Youth Centre in Bromsgrove Street, hoped to enter two teams in the Worcestershire League in the coming season.

But although local sponsors CBC Ltd and FT Leisure donated kits for the under-18 boys and girls teams, the club still need £1,000 worth of equipment.

Head coach Matt Coles said the club deperately need money for table officiating equipment, including a scoreboard, shot clock, air horns and scoresheets.

"Unless we get some urgent help in the next week or so we are going to have to pull the teams out of the league," he said.

"Everybody at the club has set their hearts on getting the youngsters playing competitive basketball so it would be awful if we can't go through with it.

"We find it frustrating that we're trying to get the kids off the streets and into something worthwhile, but we can't get the support we need."

The club has gone from strength to strength since being set up in April and more than 100 members regularly attend training sessions.

The girls team recently won the Worcestershire Games tournament.

Anybody willing to sponsor the club should contact Matt Coles on 07812 993153 or 01299 409153.