People who run an Oxford charity that gives disabled people paid work want more than "just a pat on the back" from the Government help with their constant battle for funding.

Staff at the Pathway Workshop in Dunnock Way, Blackbird Leys, were pleased Minister for the Disabled Anne Anne McGuire visited the workshop yesterday.

Ms McGuire praised the good work being done at Pathways but to the disappointment of workers at Pathway she could offer the centre no promises over future funding.

The workshop was set up 25 years ago by Eric Johnson, who used to run builders' merchants RJ Johnson & Co, to provide work for disabled people to earn a reasonable wage.

Pathways, a registered charity, employs 22 people.

Mr Johnson said: "We have to spend as much time fundraising as we do running the place. It's a constant battle.

"We are saving the Government money.

"Each person, if they were not working here, would be sitting on their beam ends claiming benefits."

Ms McGuire said the Government was looking into the issue of work for the disabled.

She added: "I accept there's a constant challenge in terms of funding. The workshop makes a huge difference to peoples' lives."

Chris Kyle, whose 22-year-old son Andy works at Pathway, said: "It inspires him, his confidence and self esteem have just blossomed."

Pathway's garden furniture, planters and other products can be bought at the workshop or through eBay.