Staff at a cash-strapped family centre are pulling out all the stops in a bid for funds.

They have raised money with a sponsored spell and have more events in the pipeline a mini-lottery, a sponsored cycle ride, and a sponsored Smartie-with-chopsticks eating competition.

The cash problems are caused by Oxfordshire County Council budget cuts. Cherwell District Council has stepped in with a 7,000 grant to save the job of a cook, but Cllr Jim Vine, who is leading a campaign to keep the centre open, says 13,000 is still needed.

The centre caters for disadvantaged families and provides children with a hot meal every day.

Mr Vine says the centre cannot operate on fewer staff.