AN APPEAL has gone out to help deprived Rossendale youngsters have a holiday.

For decades a group of under privileged children in the Valley have been taken on a holiday to Rochdale Children's Moorland Home.

The charity allocates three weeks per year for 30 children aged five to 10 years old to spend a week there during the summer.

The scheme has always been funded by Lancashire County Council, but last year it said it would no longer meet the £3,000 cost.

Rossendale councillor Janet Farquharson, who took over as the head of the scheme two years ago said: "Moorlands kindly agreed to let this year's children go for free, but they cannot do that every year. If we don't find funding, 30 children from all over the Valley will lose out on a fantastic holiday.

"Moorlands takes them out on a variety of things, including bowling, the cinema, and theme parks, and they do a vast range of activities with the children at the home.

"It's a real treat for the kids, the only holiday most of them ever get, and it's a great tradition - some of the parents of the children who go today remember going on holiday there when they were small."

Coun Farquharson is appealing for a company, or individual, to sponsor the project and provide all or part of the £3,000.

She said: "Ideally we'd like for two companies to share the cost, which actually only amounts to £100 per child, which is nothing when you think about all they get out of the holiday."

Donations of any amount are also welcome. If you can help, contact Janet Farquharson on 07782 506913. Cheques should be made payable to Rochdale Children's Moorland Home, and sent to Janet Farquharson, 66, Gladstone Street, Bacup, OL139JN.