SOUTHAMPTON'S MPs are vowing to put pressure on government departments to release money owed to a cash-strapped city charity.

SCRATCH is struggling with a £40,000 black hole in its accounts because of lengthy delays in being handed £500,000 of grants.

The Rev Ian Johnson, team rector for Southampton city centre parish, and a mystery benefactor have paid out £10,000 each to throw the organisation a lifeline.

Charity chiefs have blamed the cash-flow problems on central government grant-giving bodies taking too long to process already agreed applications.

SCRATCH - Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship - provides food, clothing, furniture and kitchen equipment to people across Hampshire in financial difficulties.

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham said: "I know SCRATCH very well and have visited a lot of their projects, from the Basics Bank to the furniture recycling project and they took away a couple of bunk beds from me last year.

"They are a very important part of the support network for people on low incomes so it's essential they are able to come through this because there's no obvious replacement for a group like this."

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said: "This is an issue that doesn't just concern SCRATCH, but many other groups too, and is something I have been actively talking to government departments in the past about."

SCRATCH is now looking to launch sponsorship projects with firms across Hampshire.

Ring 023 8077 3132 for details on supporting the charity.

SCRATCH PROJECTS AIMED AT RELIEVING POVERTY IN HAMPSHIRE:

Dorcas Project - Second hand-furniture is collected from households and redistributed.

Basics Bank - Donates second-hand clothes and emergency food parcels to those in need.

Fareshare - Project workers collect food from supermarkets and other outlets that is between its sell-by date and use-by date and passes it to various projects working with vulnerable people.

Removals Project - Free removal service for people escaping domestic violence, racial harassment, etc.

White Goods Project - Unwanted cookers, fridges and freezers are collected and any repairs carried out. Items are sold at reduced prices

Work Experience Programme - Provides opportunities for the long-term unemployed, individuals lacking basic skills, those with low self-esteem and people with mental health needs to gain valuable work experience with the aim of entering or re-entering the labour market.