Volunteering at Bradford's toy library has played a crucial role in helping a woman with special needs become more independent.

Diane Kemp works at Bradford Toy Library one morning a week, helping check the specialist toys which are lent out to disabled and special needs children.

The library, based at St Luke's Hospital, is now under threat because the independent charity which runs it is perilously short of cash.

At least £12,000 a year is needed to pay for the two part-time co-ordinators who run it, as well as buying new toys to stock it - some of which can cost more than £100 each.

The Telegraph & Argus Save Our Play Appeal is aiming to keep the facility going for at least 12 months and has raised more than £4,000 so far, but much more cash is needed to make sure the future of the vital resource is secured.

As well as lending toys, the library houses the Laura Jackson Book Library - one of the biggest collections of literature about special needs in the country. It also provides an important opportunity for Diane Kemp. Diane, who is 39, has been working at the library for several years and loves her job.

Toy library co-ordinator Emma Fawcett said Diane carried out useful tasks such as cleaning the toys and checking all the items are there.

Emma said Diane was a valuable member of the team.

"She gets the bus over on her own, which she could not do before.

"And for the parents of some of the children that come in, it means a lot because their youngsters might be like Diane when they are older. They can see she helps us immensely and she gets a lot out of it."

Diane started volunteering through the 119 Centre, on Little Horton Lane, which is part of Bradford District Care Trust and aims to increase service users' independence and skills.

Her link worker Jannie Crossley said: "Diane is so proud. She always tells everyone about her job and what she does."

"It gives her such a lot more confidence and increases her skills."

She said if the library was to shut it could affect Diane.

"All the things she is doing, as well as the job, are giving her confidence and if you start taking things away from people, I think they deteriorate."

To contribute to the Save Our Play Appeal, pay into to the special bank account or send cheques directly to the T&A.