A club for youngsters with special needs could close at Christmas because it has run out of money.

The lottery-funded Adur Special Needs Project runs weekend clubs and respite care for 220 children aged from five to 18.

A weekend club will be held at the Glebelands Day Centre in Middle Road, Shoreham, tomorrow, where 40 youngsters will take part in various activities including games and a disco.

But Duncan Kentell, co-ordinator of the project, fears it could be one of the last events the scheme can afford to hold after lottery cash dried up.

He said: "We have got enough money to hold four more weekend clubs before Christmas and possibly until February.

"At the moment we have nothing left after that and the club will have to close.

"Parents are devastated because it provides respite care and gives their children a chance to mix with others."

More than 250 children from mainstream schools are registered to help out at the clubs and make friends with the youngsters who have a range of special needs from hyperactivity disorders to autism.

A three-year lottery grant for the project, which costs £60,000 a year to run, has expired and Mr Kentell has spent months trying to raise funds.

He has made another application to the lottery for £500,000 to keep it going and add another project catering for young adults with special needs.

Mr Kentell said: "We won't find out if the application has been successful until next year and of course it might fail.

"We are also waiting to hear from other charitable foundations including the Princess Diana Memorial Trust."

Local businesses have so far raised £3,500, but more is needed for the project running costs which includes wages for Mr Kentell and 12 part-time weekend staff.

Mr Kentell said: "The future of the project is so uncertain. We really need help if it is to carry on."