A LOCAL volunteer bureau, under threat of closure due to a lack of funds, has been given a few months reprieve thanks to a cash donation.

Staff at the Guild Volunteer Bureau, Cannon Street, feared they would have to close their services to the public because of a lack of funds.

But Preston-based Faisaltex Charitable Trust has stepped in with a £1,000 donation to help keep the service open for a few months.

Christine Hedley, chair of the trustees of the bureau, said: "With just a few more offers of support of this nature we hope to be able to stay open until the new financial year."

The service costs £36,000 per year to run and has helped more than 800 people find voluntary work in organisations around the Preston area. But recently the group has been struggling to stay afloat.

Bids for lottery cash take about six months to be assessed, so the bureau appealed for short-term help.

And Faisaltex, based in Fletcher Road, stepped forward, helping the bureau to stay open until the end of October.

Munaf Patel, managing director of Faisaltex Charitable Trust: "We are delighted to support the Volunteer Bureau which does great work helping people to find voluntary work and helping voluntary organisations recruit the people they rely on to provide their services."

Last month Preston Guild Rotary Club made a similar donation to the bureau.

Christine said: "Both organisations have recognised the value of the work we do."

Anybody who can help with donations should call the bureau on 884499.