VOLUNTEER pensioners are reviewing security after coming under attack from gangs of youths during a charity street procession.

The Lions Club of Westbury may now be forced to call areas of the town off-limits after youths threw stones and threatened elderly helpers.

Much of the trouble took place in the Oldfield Park area of Westbury during December as The Lions Club held a Christmas procession to raise funds and hand out gifts for residents.

Chris Millard, president of the Westbury Lions Club, said: "These gangs of teenagers were extremely abusive and aggressive. We are just a group of pensioners and elderly people and are no match for a gang of 15 and 16-year-olds.

"They were threatening people getting on and off the float and tried to steal sweets."

In previous years the volunteers had enlisted the help of the Westbury Rugby Club. But during the Christmas processions frightened volunteers were forced to call the police on a number of separate occasions.

Mr Millard said: "We will discuss security for future processions and maybe even avoid areas of the town.

Despite the problems the Lions Club still managed to raise £2,900 for good causes in Westbury and the surrounding area.