A VITAL community centre for women is fighting for survival due to lack of funding.

For over 18 years, the South Bank Women's Centre has provided a wide range of services to the women and girls of South Bank and the Tees Valley.

It has been threatened with closure later this year due to lack of funds.

Many of the women who use the centre find it hard to get into education, training or employment.

Services at the centre include education and training provided by local colleges and Teesside University.

This has enabled many women to benefit from training, achieve qualifications and gain employment.

The centre also offers counselling services, back to work advice, work experience, IT training, recreation and numerous support activities.

More than 700 women and girls use the centre and, yesterday, an open day was held to try and entice more people to use it.

Closure of the centre would mean unemployment for five full-time staff, four part-time and 15 crche workers.

lan Swales, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Redcar, said it would be a tragedy if it were to close.

He said: "Improving the ability of women increases prosperity and gives hope for the future.

"The centre provides an outstanding service to South Bank in so many ways."

Potential sponsors or volunteers are asked to call Kathy Lloyd or Susanna Sargeant on (01642) 296166.