STAFF at a day centre for adults with learning disabilities are calling on the public to help them win nearly £48,000 of vital funding.

New Hope Lodge, based at Holt Health, near Worcester, is in the running to receive a game-changing grant from the National Lottery's People's Projects fund.

But it is competing against four other worthy causes in the region – and desperately needs public votes to win the cash.

Abbie Kemp, manager at the lodge, said: "It would just be absolutely amazing for the young adults, they get so much out of New Hope Lodge.

"It has made so much difference to their lives already and seeing their faces and how happy they are, they say it has made such a change and they feel happy.

"It would mean so much to us if you spend two minutes of your time going online because you do not know how much one vote can make a difference.

"It provides us with this opportunity to create greater opportunity for New Hope Lodge."

Adults with a range of learning disabilities, from autism to Down's syndrome, can use the centre every day and participate in a range of activities.

Among the activities on offer are cookery lessons, trips out and animal care, while staff also support adults in work experience placements.

The money would be used to pay for a music therapist to visit twice a week, sport and fitnesses sessions and pottery classes.

Also, the team hope to set up a new charity shop in Worcester to both raise cash and to give adults work experience.

The lodge was opened last year and is shortlisted for the funding alongside Malvern charity What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful – selected for its Special Hands Community Support project.

The People's Project gives the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be spent in their communities.

Voting closes on Monday, April 3. To cast a vote visit thepeoplesprojects.org.uk/projects Once a vote has been made, a verification email will be sent, which must be clicked to confirm.