THE Family Contact Centre, which is in danger of closing, has been saved by the Swindon Lions for six months.

The centre provides a safe place for youngsters of separated parents to meet their mum or dad every week.

From the Well Woman Centre in Milton Road, it supports 19 families but is struggling to survive due to dwindling cash reserves.

The Lions came to the rescue with £1,000, as it is aware of the centre's good work.

"It means the future is looking brighter," said Angela Angus, who runs the centre.

"I am absolutely gobsmacked by how good the Lions have been to us. It was brilliant of them - they are so interested in what we do.

"I have more hope now and we are trying to fundraise."

The centre is not out of immediate danger, however, and Angela is appealing for Swindon companies to come forward to help, as another £1,000 is desperately needed.

"It only has enough money to keep operating for the next six months," she said.

Angela says the service is a lifeline to parents - some come to Swindon from other parts of the country to spend precious time with their children.

"Some dads are very worried we will have to close," said Angela. "It would be a big loss and there would be quite a few parents, including both mums and dads, who have nowhere else to go.

"A lot of our parents are strapped for cash. We have dads driving to Swindon from other parts of the country and sleeping in their cars to see their children."

Social Services, solicitors and the Salvation Army are among the groups which refer children, from babies to 11-year-olds, to the centre.

It opens every Saturday from 10am to 2pm and depends on 11 volunteers.

Maurice Watson, of Swindon Lions Club, said: "It's really important we try to keep something like this open because it's sorely needed in Swindon.

"It is very important in this day and age. We have many families that break up and consequently there are many children who are in the middle.

"If it closes it will mean that a lot of families will have a lot of problems and the person that suffers is the child."

To make a donation to the charity call 01793 813028.