A SPECIAL advice centre for young people in North Dorset is appealing for funds after winning a reprieve in its survival battle.

The future of Treads, an advice and information centre for young people, in Salisbury Street, Blandford, had been hanging in the balance for several months, until it secured funding from the town council and a local charitable trust to keep its doors open until February. The long-term future of the centre should be secured next year when it joins other services at new premises near the Three Choughs in East Street to form part of a special community hub.

But Treads, which has operated in the town for more than 17 years, is now appealing for help to raise an extra £3,000, which will secure its premises until it makes the move in the spring.

The centre’s project coordinator, Sue Diffey, said: “It’s been a nightmare for the last year. It’s such an important place for young people and we have had to fight hard to keep it all up and running. We really were at our wits’ end at one point.” The centre had attempted to secure its future with applications for funding from Children in Need and the National Lottery, which were both turned down.

To help raise the extra cash young people who use Treads have planned and organised two fundraising events this month.

On August 13 there will be a black and white fundraising ball at the Crown Hotel, with a charity auction, a raffle with fantastic prizes as well as a three-course meal and entertainment.

Tickets cost £25.

There will also be a special family fun day at the crown meadows, in Blandford, between 10am and 4pm on August 20. The event will be opened by the town mayor Esme Butler and will include fairground rides, craft stalls, bouncy castles, a BBQ, pony rides, a hog roast, craft stalls, face painting, hair braiding, Ghurkha food, a raffle and a tombola.

Entry is free. For information or tickets call 01258 455448.