THE Children's Opportunity Centre in Coleford is in desperate need of funds – and the fund-raisers to help them find the money they need.

The centre is currently having to keep popular sessions going while trying to pay its salaries and overheads.

It's not all bad news – the Rockets Health and Fitness Club and Broadwell Football Club held a joint Christmas Party on Saturday and raised £450.

The party was held at the Football Club where local acoustic band Absolute Beginners provided the night's entertainment, with Broadwell FC team members Phil Delany, Nick Dart and Rob Smith playing in the band.

Rockets gave out awards for male and female 'club member of the year' awards to Paula Mann and Ross Jones to celebrate the fantastic results they have achieved so far.

Around 150 people turned out to party and donate money to the Opportunity Centre.

Situated next to St John's Primary School, the Opportunity Centre has been used by local families since it opened in 1982, with upwards of 200 children enjoying its services each year.

The Centre does not receive any statutory funding so all funding comes from grants, fund-raising, donations and session fees. It costs an average of £180,000 to run the Centre for a year.  Last year, 67 per cent of this came from grants, donations and fund-raising.

A spokesman said: "On behalf of the Opportunity Centre we would like to say a huge 'thank you' to Rockets and Broadwell FC for organising this fundraising event for us. We are a local charity and it is fundraising such as this event that enables us to sustain the services we strive so hard to provide."

Andy Griffiths, the manager and owner of Rockets, said: "I am delighted to come together with Broadwell FC to raise money for such a great local charity. The Opportunity Centre does a lot for local families which often goes unnoticed and desperately needs help to raise money so that it can continue to offer such a fantastic service to the local community."

You can donate by clicking on the 'donate online now' button on the website http://www.childoc">www.childoc. org.uk or by sending in a cheque. Cash donations can be made in one of the collection tins in several area shops and businesses.