A BURY charity trust which organises holidays for single parent families is facing a cash crisis.

The Sandcastle Trust (Bury Metro) looks certain to run out of funds in three years unless it receives a new cash injection.

In 1999, the National Lotteries Charities Board awarded the Trust a grant of £13,527, ensuring the annual holidays to Prestatyn in North Wales for the following three years.

Donations and grants from other groups and individuals, including Bury Council, also meant families, especially single parent families, who for financial or domestic reasons would not otherwise be able to go away, could enjoy a short holiday in 2003.

However, chairman of the Sandcastle Trust (Bury Metro), Councillor Trevor Holt, believes the 2003 holiday will swallow up all money left in the charity's account.

He said: "After that, without any new injection of cash funding, we will not be able to provide holidays for families in the Bury area. "The Sandcastle Trust (Bury Metro) was set up in 1999 after taking over the holiday scheme for people with financial or welfare problems from the WRVS.

"That year we were awarded a lottery grant which ensured that the Trust's 'core' holidays in Prestatyn were guaranteed for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002.

"Extra donations from local charity fund-raising groups, Bury Council and our own sponsored events raised just enough money to cover a holiday for 2003. That holiday would wipe out any funds we have and it could sadly be our last."

Families who take part in the holidays are referred to the Trust by health visitors, social workers and other care workers. The week long breaks are designed to help improve the quality of life for families.

Coun Holt said: "The families accepted on the holidays do not have to pay a penny for the week-long breaks. They are even given a cash donation for spending money to help them enjoy the break even more.

"They are thoroughly enjoyable events and those who have taken part in them have really enjoyed themselves. They are new people when they come home."

Local businesses are now being sought to help boost the charity pot to secure future holidays after 2003.

"It would be such a shame to see this scheme fold due to lack of funds," added Coun Holt.

Anyone interested in offering financial support to the Sandcastle Trust (Bury Metro) or would like to organise a fund-raising event for the charity should contact secretary Lesley Pownall on 764 0011.