AN IMMINENT closure threat has been lifted from a pioneering activities centre favoured by Princess Diana for youngsters with special needs.

Bursledon's struggling Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre - which has provided new horizons for thousands of disabled young people - was set to close by the middle of this month unless its bosses could find more than £21,000.

But after a meeting lasting nearly three hours last night, the centre's management committee pledged to continue the fight to keep open the centre which was a favourite of Princess Diana.

Chairman Godfrey Olson said: "It has been going 24 years and we are not going to quit now - we are going to continue with the help of various bodies "

The situation has been made possible by generous responses to a desperate appeal for cash aid through the Daily Echo.

Southampton-based charity Bonhomie has pledged £10,000, Hampshire County Council has weighed in with £5,000 while donations from BP and Esso plus other smaller, but vital, gifts have already raised in the region of £16,000.

Former Eastleigh mayor, Mr Olson - who is the borough's longest serving borough councillor - said: "We still haven't met the target and we still need more donations.

"But while we haven't covered the total deficit, members of the committee were sufficiently upbeat and confident that, given the response so far, we will be able to meet the deficit."

And he added: "We certainly thank the Daily Echo for the support and publicity that they have given us."

The committee is hoping to net the rest of the cash shortfall by its annual meeting on January 16 when it is also hoping to have an embryo budget formed for the financial year beginning in April.

Meetings have been set up with staff next week to discuss longer-term staffing arrangements, the centre's charging policy will be reviewed and the idea of a team of fundraisers to stage money-spinning events has also been floated.

Mr Olson said the committee would also like to recruit a fundraising and marketing expert.

He said member were also keen to make better use of the centre's residential accommodation at Manor Farm Country Park.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the centre can contact the honorary secretary, Mr Neil Smith, on 01962 712610.