Disabled and disadvantaged youngsters can look forward to three more years of sports and recreation thanks to a cash boost from Children In Need.

The Oxsrad youth club, based at the Oxsrad sports centre in Court Place Farm, Marsh Lane, Marston, has learned it is to receive £32,203 over the next three years.

fundraisers had been awaiting confirmation they could continue to provide the valuable service, which was set up three years ago with a grant from Children In Need.

Former chairman Gill Cox said: "We were thrilled. The application took a lot of work, but our referee was again the Lord Lieutenant, Hugo Brunner, and he has helped us a lot.

"We had asked for about £10,000 more money this time, so we're very pleased to have got it.

"This will enable us to give more training to our supervisors and also pay them while they are training, which means we have more chance of keeping our staff for longer."

The Oxsrad youth club was originally set up for eight- to 18-year-olds with special needs and disabilities, but it has grown considerably and now attracts many able-bodied, but disadvantaged, children from the area.

Youth club manager Stephanie Litten said: "We usually have about 30 children a week, but this sometimes rises to 50 in the summer months.

"The youngsters choose their own activities, ranging from sports such as indoor football and basketball, plus activities outside in the summer such as frisbee and rounders.

"We also have non-sporting activities such as board games and a games machine. As well as giving them a chance to have fun and mix with other children it also gives their families some respite time.

"This money is great news for us as we hope to introduce further activities in the coming year, of a creative nature, rather than sports based.

"We hope this will enable us to attract more girls to the club."

Opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, on February 8, 1989, Oxsrad is the only fully integrated sports and leisure centre in the country.

Alan Porter Smith set it up in 1982. Originally its members took part in sports at different locations across Oxford.

The sports centre was finished seven years later and since that time the charity and its committee has gradually developed the facilities to include a fully equipped fitness suite, a large hall, small hall, spa bath and treatment room. Catering for both disabled and able-bodied people, anyone, regardless of their age or physical ability, can become a member and enjoy a range of activities from archery to art, badminton to basketball.

The youth club is keen to hear from people prepared to become volunteers.

Call Chris Stowell or Stephanie Litten on 01865 741336 for more information.