Families of severely disabled children have launched a campaign to save popular respite centre Knowles Tooth from closure.

More than 100 families from Brighton use the 11-bedroom, fully equipped home in Hurstpierpoint for children with serious conditions such as deafness, autism and behavioural problems.

Parents said they had been refused a meeting by Family Support Work (FSW) which runs the home.

Sharon Nealgrove, whose daughter has rare Phelan-McDermid syndrome, said: “It’s going to be really difficult for families to take holidays now and most won’t be able to have a holiday at all.

“Knowles Tooth is the only place we can take our children.

“They can have fun and be who they are without being judged and it’s the only time parents get some respite.

“Special needs children find change difficult and because they’ve been going for so long it’s become a home from home.”

Sharon runs playgroup Little Darlings for three to six-year-olds with additional needs at Hollingdean Community Centre.

Her nine-year-old daughter is one of only 49 in England living with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which affects her heart, learning and mobility.

Knowles Tooth is also used by children’s special needs groups Sweet Peas, in Brighton, and Brighton Pebbles, in Hollingdean.

Rhianydd Summersett, of Brighton Pebbles, said: “We are devastated by this news.

“We have been to Knowles Tooth on many occasions and it is the only place that we can access for a holiday with our children.

“The majority have severe learning difficulties, severe autism and severely challenging behaviour.”

Emma Moreton, of Eastbourne, said: “How very sad – we took families there from our estate who really needed some quality time and respite. So sorry to hear it is closing.”

It is set to close at the end of November to focus on visiting disabled children at home.

Maggie Simons, director of FSW, said: “Knowles Tooth is a well-known and loved building and we will all be sad when it closes.

“However our prime function of working with children and families across Sussex will strengthen as a result of this decision.”

FSW said its service would be offered at alternative venues.

To show your support for the home go to www.facebook.com/knowles.tooth?fref=ts