A charity that helps more than 1,300 housebound and elderly people is facing closure due to a cash shortage.

Clacton Family Support says it is in dire financial straits, after it was refused a £50,000 grant from the North East Essex NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The charity has received money from the PCT for the last four years - which was its major source of funding - but was overlooked this time round.

Now, volunteers are urging members of the community to help secure its future.

Charity spokesman Valerie Reiser said: "We are appealing to the public, businesses, councillors and other organisations for support to keep the charity afloat."

The PCT has previously told the Gazette the decision to refuse money for Family Support had come from its voluntary-sector funding panel.

Panel members felt the charity offered social services rather than health-related ones.

Every week the charity welcomes about 400 people at its two day centres, at Imperial House in Rosemary Road and Bishops Park College, as well as offering trips out, snooker sessions, relief to carers and home befrienders.

Volunteers also operate five community minibuses to transport their clients, who describe the charity as their "lifeline".

If you think you can help, call 01255 432132.