A charity which provides vital services for the disabled has been thrown a lifeline.

Because of a funding shortfall it was feared Baildon-based charity Fashion Services for the Disabled would have to close its doors.

But the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward have stepped in to help, offering cash and advice.

The charity, which started 22 years ago, makes clothes for people all over the UK who are looking for fashionable items suitable for people with mobility problems, learning difficulties or who require non-standard sizes.

Based in Green Lane, Baildon, in a building owned by Shipley College, the organisation is not making enough money to meet running costs and funding they have relied on over the years has dried up.

Shipley MP Chris Leslie spoke to Yorkshire Forward to try and get interim funding to keep them going before core funding can be secured.

He said: "Many local residents have spoken to me concerned that this vital charity is falling between the gaps in disability service provision.

"Fashion Services is a manufacturer that can provide training and business opportunities across the disabled economy, and it fulfils a vital social need as well."

Don Stewart, executive director of people development for Yorkshire Forward, said: "We were told about the business a week ago and what we are trying to do is step in and rescue it immediately and stop it going under."

Yorkshire Forward will provide funding for the next six months during which time they will help the business put together a long-term business plan.

Mr Stewart said: "We will try and see if we can secure a long-term future for the business rather than the hand-to-mouth existence they have had in the past."

Dorothy Graham, clothing technician at Fashion Services said: "This is wonderful and the best news.

"We had heard on the grapevine that Mr Leslie was going to try and help us get funding and we are very grateful to him for his help."

The charity has customers from all over England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Mrs Graham said; "There is nowhere else for these people to go and we don't want to let them down. We need to get trainees and build up the business, let's hope this is the start of it."