AN Andover charity, which is set to close, held its final annual presentation last Friday.

Andover and District Home-Start will be closing on Monday, November 30 due to lack of long term sustainable funding.

The Cricketers Way-based charity was set up in 2008 and has provided 150 families and 251 children in the area with emotional, practical and social support in that time.

Services provided by the 54 volunteers have been tailored to a family’s need and have included a 10-week preparation course, helping parents get children into routines and aiding with transport difficulties.

In 2009 the scheme was awarded a National Lottery grant which was a core fund that ended recently as did a three-year grant from Hampshire County Council leaving it unable to fund the necessary services.

Benedict Kelly the charity’s chair and treasurer said: “Despite our heartfelt commitment to Home-Start, fundraising fatigue has beaten us. We contacted or researched over 60 potential sources of funds or contracts but could not secure enough for long term sustainability.

“We have always believed that the most important thing is the families we help. So we have worked out an orderly wind down to minimise stress for the families and to try and ensure continued support where we can’.

Kim Francis scheme organiser said: “The amazing volunteers that we have trained and supported have enabled us to see that there are many wonderful individuals who are willing to give up their time to support others - for which we are eternally grateful.''

We are very proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to work as part of such a worthwhile charity.”