DISTRICT diabetes sufferers - whose numbers are mysteriously rising - may be at risk if a new branch leader of a national charity is not found.

The founder of the Kidderminster and Wyre Forest branch of Diabetes UK - formerly the British Diabetic Association - is looking for a new chairman after more than three decades in the voluntary hotseat. Fred Holland, president and chairman of the district branch of Diabetes UK, prepares to step down after three decades at the helm.

Fred Holland, of Plimsoll Street, Kidderminster, set up the organisation in 1971 after his nine-year-old daughter Vivienne contracted the condition, which means blood sugar levels rise too high.

He warned that despite provision for diabetics in Wyre Forest improving "200 per cent" since the 70s, there was an increasing need for the support group.

"By 2005 there could be a further 1,000 people in Wyre Forest with diabetes and no-one really knows why.

"There are a lot of people out there who don't know they have it, and that can be very dangerous."

He added: "Complications from diabetes include loss of eyesight and heart failure but if it's caught early enough it can be kept under control. We handed out 500 leaflets telling people about the symptoms before Christmas and I hope they helped somebody.

"I should hate to see the branch unravel after all these years."

The 65 year-old semi-retired engineer and former nurse has vowed to stay on as both president and chairman until a chairman steps forward.

"My replacement will represent Diabetes UK on the Community Health Council and chair the branch meetings. The more you put in the more you get out."

Mr Holland added: "We also have a public meeting once a month and every Tuesday we operate a walk-in clinic at the hospital."

The president paid tribute to the standard of diabetic care in Wyre Forest but said that a new centre in Franchise Street staffed with two diabetes nurses would plug an important gap.

For further information contact Mr Holland on 01562 68649.