A CHARITY that steers pupils towards a career in the motor industry is struggling to find the cash to survive.

Skidz, which operates from premises in Lower Cherwell Street, Banbury, takes in youngsters who find it difficult to cope with mainstream schooling, but who have practical talents.

Volunteer instructors at Skidz teach the boys, and some girls, the basics of car mechanics.

They carry out servicing for customers, prepare donated vehicles for re-sale - and at the moment are busy with a one-off special project - a stretched limo mini.

But the charity, which opened in July 2005, costs £150,000 a year to run, and is desperate for cash.

It receives about £50,000 a year from the schools which send pupils, but still has a £100,000 'black hole' to fund.

Sue Shattock, chairman of the trustees, said: "Money is a real problem. The schools that use us need to know that we are going to be here at the end of the year, but the situation is bleak. We pay a fairly high rent on the building we use now, and it would help enormously if someone could offer free or low-cost premises."

She said: "We are well equipped as far as tools etc go. We bought most things we need in the early years.

"Running costs are the big problem."

Project manager Steve Lenhardt added: "We want to go forward, but no-one, including the Government is sending the right money.

"We've had a very generous donation from David Richards at Prodrive, but we still need more.

"Ideally we would like local garages and motor dealers to get involved in something that could help them recruit new workers."

Since it started, around 300 young people have been taken under Skidz' wing, and some have gone on to find employment in the motor trade.

Mr Lenhardt said: "We don't have exact figures, but we know that some of the lads have gone on to apprenticeships. I know one went to Mazda and one to Quickfit, and another got a job at JayBee Motors.

Others have gone to the motorsports college at Bicester and more have carried on their studies at the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College in Banbury."

He said: "This is a scheme for kids who should not be in school classrooms. Some of them are quite challenging, and really need one-to-one tuition. The best we can do is four-to-one teaching, so we could do with more volunteers to help with the day-to-day business here."

Mrs Shattock spoke about the mini project.

She said: "It is funded by the Local Network Fund, and it is three minis being made into one. An awful lot of design has gone into this because special strenghteners and other parts have been designed for the bodywork. Some very clever people have been helping our youngsters with it, and we are all pleased with the progress being made."

She said: "A real interesting bit to me will be fitting out the inside. We're looking at including a nice wooden dashboard, plush seating, and all the extras associated with stretched limos.

"We might have competition between the young people to see who can come up with the best colour scheme.

"There is a lot to look forward to - and I think there will be a queue to be the first to ride around town in it."

Mrs Shattock said: "It is a fun thing, but it is also an excellent teaching tool. There is a tremendous amount of learning involved in every aspect of car design and repair.

"I think it will be wonderful to see it driving around town, maybe carrying young people to social events.

"Perhaps we'll be able to recoup some of the money that's been spent on it."

  • The Skidz telephone number for anyone who can help is 01295 264420.