MONEY from the National Lottery has paved the way for a Preston charity to provide vital new services.

Pukar, which provides support for disabled people from ethnic minorities, has taken on two new workers thanks to the £200,000 grant.

Sara Member and Safiya Rizvi will work alongside volunteers at the centre in Oakham Court, Preston, and help provide advice, training, legal and welfare surgeries, and leisure facilities for the 70 disabled people who use it.

Sara, 22, from Deepdale, is a full-time family advice/outreach worker. She will arrange transport for those who are unable to get to the centre themselves and work with community groups and local societies to encourage them to use Pukar.

Sara, who has just graduated from university with a degree in psychology and health studies, said: "I have always wanted to do community work and always wanted to help people."

Safiya, 38, has taken on the part-time role of activities volunteer co-ordinator. Her duties will include recruitment, training and supporting volunteers.

Safiya, a mother-of-one from Ashton, used to run a ladies fashion business in Preston.

She loves working in the community and says this job gives her complete satisfaction.

The centre are always on the lookout for more volunteers, call 01772 822700.