A CASH-STRAPPED centre for people with learning difficulties in Exeter is hoping a fundraising party can go some way to restoring its fortunes.

The Exeter Gateway Centre needs 400 people to turn up for the fundraising Charity Folk Fest concert it is holding at Exeter Castle on Friday, July 17.

Based behind the Mount Pleasant Health Centre in Mount Pleasant Road, Gateway operates as a day centre for adults with learning difficulties, providing social and recreational activities for as many as 40 users. It also provides support and advice for carers.

Boasting a computer room, art room and kitchen, it was set up in 2005 and won a one-off grant from Exeter City Council which kept it going for three years.

But now that money has gone and Emma Mawdsley, one of the workers at the centre, said: "We need £27,000 a year to keep going. We have a little coming in, but it is getting harder to keep the centre available for our service users.

"A lot of those who come to the centre are reliant on it so there is obviously a need to keep it open.

"We tried getting a grant from the National Lottery charity fund but were turned down. Things are getting pretty desperate, so we are now trying to find other ways to raise money."

Top of the bill is the charity folk concert which Emma and her friends hope will bring in several thousand pounds. She said: "The concert will feature local bands and a bar. Takings from the door, and excess takings from the bar, which is being provided by Timepiece, will go to the centre.

"We need to get about 400 people to attend to raise sufficient funds and any more over that would be wonderful."

Charity Folk Fest is being held at Exeter Castle, Castle Street, on Friday, July 17. Doors open at 6pm for live music and there will be a bar until midnight. The line-up includes Spin 2, Grandma's Living Room and The Pyrates. Tickets are available from Exeter Phoenix at £5, plus a 50p booking fee.

The Echo is campaigning for carers through We Care. The campaign was set up in March 2008 to improve life for carers through lobbying for a better deal for carers from social services, health bodies, and education, as well as lobbying the Government about Carers' Allowance, and making it aware of how much support carers deserve.