A community group has suspended its committee after leaders admitted its finances were 'in a mess'.

Clayton Brook Community Group was unable to produce final accounts and has handed its books to a chartered accountant to clarify its financial position.

The group owes £2578.40 to Chorley Borough Council and £700 to South Lancashire Arts Partnership.

The situation was outlined at the annual general meeting on Monday, which was so packed, it had to transfer from the community rooms to the village hall to accommodate everyone.

During heated scenes, members voted to suspend all activities for a month.

Those hoping to join the group's new committee withdrew their nominations amid fears they could become personally liable for debts acquired by the group.

The meeting heard that an after-school club which closed on September 16 had led to thousands of pounds of losses.

And a group of mothers registered their anger that a summer play week was cancelled at the last minute without explanation. Barbara Smith, 52, who chairs the group, took the brunt of the audience's anger.

She agreed that most of the problems stemmed from the after-school club, and said: "The books are now in the hands of an accountant and will be sorted out soon and then audited by the county council.

"We have plenty of assets and I'm confident that at the next meeting things will become clearer."

Steve Murfitt, of Clayton Brook Police and Community Together, said: "What the meeting showed is that the people of the village will confront these problems together.

"Yes, there are difficulties but there have been major improvements in the village in recent times and increased activities for children and young people. We must not lose sight of that."

A spokesperson for Chorley council said: "We have actively pursued the payment of this debt from Clayton Brook Community Group and welcome the involvement of the auditors and temporary suspension of the group so that the financial position can be clarified."