A Bradford charity says it needs £40,000 to pay its wages next year.

The Joshua Project helps more than 200 young people aged nine to 18 every week in the city.

Earlier this year, fundraising secured the final £57,820 needed to turn one of Bradford’s oldest cinemas into its Impact Centre.

The money transformed The Plaza in Cross Lane, Great Horton, into the learning centre.

Enough funds were raised to sign the lease and pay the first two years’ rent and the first year’s bills but more money is now needed to help pay for the staff.

The wages of project director Rich Jones, who is full-time, and part-time worker Lou Slow were met this year by grants and donations – but now the project wants to boost its ten-strong team of volunteers with another part-time youth worker.

Lou said: “Young people are just pouring through the doors. The project is going from strength to strength but we could do even more if we could afford to employ another youth-worker.

“We are hopeful of getting grants renewed but we’d like more so we can get another member of staff onboard.”

To boost funds The Joshua Project is hosting a fundraising dinner at The Impact Centre on Saturday, October 23 at 7pm.

Tickets are £20 if bought before September 10 and include a three-course meal, entertainment, a raffle, auction and project presentations.