Youngsters with special needs could be left out in the cold because their club is

facing a cash crisis.

The Adur Special Needs Club helps 220 children aged between five and 18 every year.

It offers special respite weekends and a summer school for youngsters and their families.

The club was set up three years ago with more than £100,000 lottery cash together with other grants.

But now the money is running low and the children's happiness could be stopped in its tracks on Friday when the cash finally runs out.

Club organisers used the cash to put on respite weekends twice a month with 20 children attending.

Twenty-two children from Brighton and Hove, 32 from Worthing and 166 from the Adur District benefit from the project.

Some 250 teenagers from local schools feel the project is so worthwhile they give up their time to volunteer to help trained staff at the club.

Now the club needs £60,000 a year to help give the youngsters the chance of happiness they deserve.

Children at the club have physical disabilties or sensory impairments and some are the victims of abuse and neglect.

Duncan Kentell, co-ordinator, said: "For the families this club gives them the break they need.

"They are not the type of children who can play up and down the road during school holidays.

"It is good to give parents the time to spend with their other children and good for the youngsters to socialise with other children."

During the weekends and summer schools the children are able to take part in a range of activities from sports to arts and crafts and discos.

Applications have already been made for more lottery cash and other grants, but organisers are still waiting for replies.

Mr Kentell said: "This club is so important to them. It gives them a chance to mix with other children and they also learn a variety of skills through the activities not to mention the amount of fun they have.

"We are asking for people to help us raise money to stop the club from folding. People could sponsor a child or donate money or hold fund-raising events."

Anyone who can help should call 01273 441866.