A SUMMER holiday playscheme for children and teenagers with learning disabilities could be cancelled because of a shortage of cash and volunteers.

Organisers of the Playdays project, in Bishop Auckland, say they are facing the biggest crisis in its 28-year history.

Operating for three days a week, Playdays gives up to 30 youngsters, aged between four and 19, a chance to join in activities including horse riding and swimming and enjoy supervised trips.

This year's programme has been provisionally arranged to start at Murphy Crescent School next month, but chairman and secretary Alex Clements fears he may have to call it off.

One of the biggest obstacles is finding the £14,000 needed to run the scheme.

He said: "Every penny we get is spent on the young people.

Most of it is needed for transport to bring them from home for days out as a group and for a final party and disco.

"I write dozens of letters asking for help, but I haven't had a good response this year", he said.

"We rely a lot on donations from businesses and individuals, but they are not coming.

"We have been going for 28 years and this is the most difficult time we have had. If we don't get some money from somewhere we will have to cancel. It would be a huge shame for the young people, because they get a lot out of it.

"The activities we provide are often their only chance to enjoy different experiences and they would be devastated if they couldn't come.

"For some, Playdays is the nearest thing they get to a summer holiday. Some of their families have other children as well, and it gives everyone a break."

Playdays is due to run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from July 22 to August 16.

Volunteers need no qualifications, but they must be over 16 and have a good sense of humour and a caring attitude.

A fundraising race night is planned at West Auckland Football Club on Saturday. For information contact Mr Clements on (01388) 605410.