A Macclesfield drama group is facing closure due to a lack of funding.

Friends for Leisure has launched an urgent appeal for support.

The charity, which supports young people with disabilities, has run its drama club at the Fallibroome Academy for over 20 years.

However, without more funding, the group may be forced to shut down.

Gillian Jones, charity manager at Friends for Leisure, said: "Securing funding has become an increasingly competitive landscape and it's an issue all charities are having to deal with.

"Our Macclesfield drama group offers a lifeline to not only the children but their families too.

"It's a safe space for them to make friends, enjoy leisure activities and have fun.

"If we were forced to stop the group, it would be incredibly sad, but the reality is, without funding we can only offer limited services."

Friends for Leisure provide activities for disabled children and young people (Credit: Nub News)

Originally founded by a group of parents in Macclesfield who wanted to provide friendship and leisure opportunities for their disabled children, Friends for Leisure now has one full-time, six part-time and five casual members of staff and is supported by a network of up to 100 volunteers.

The charity turns 30 this year and to celebrate, they are running a '30 for 30' campaign.

This campaign seeks to get 30 local businesses to each donate £1,000 to support activities such as the drama group in Macclesfield.

Gillian continued: "The 30 for 30 campaign is absolutely crucial to securing the long-term future of Friends for Leisure.

"We want to support as many young people as possible and the last thing we want to do is limit the activities we offer.

"However, without sufficient funds to secure space, volunteers and the required specialist safety measures for the children, we'll be forced to make cuts across the charity."

Any company that signs up for Friends for Leisure's '30 for 30' campaign will be given a special certificate to acknowledge their support and an invitation to the charity's anniversary fun day in Congleton on Saturday, October 4.

If you're organisation is interested in supporting Friends for Leisure's fundraising efforts, please get in touch on 01260 275333 or by emailing [email protected].