Funding is desperately needed to keep the curtain up on a popular music and drama group.

Cash awarded to Bradford-based group Performance Express has now run out leaving its future hanging in the balance, said its co-ordinator Cath Harney.

The group, made up of people with mental health problems and their carers, was launched in 1998 thanks to money from the Millennium Commission.

After staging a successful Millennium Show at Bradford's St George's Hall in 1999, the cast decided they wanted to keep the group going and secured funding for three years from Bradford Health Action Zone. When that ran out, Bradford City Primary Care Trust stepped in and gave £30,000 more which finally dried up at the end of March this year.

This week Performance Express had what could be one of its last rehearsals before it puts a halt on its weekly creative sessions at the Tradeforce Building in Cornwall Place, Manningham.

On Tuesday it is putting on a show at the Carriageworks in Leeds as part of a World Mental Health Day Festival.

Mrs Harney said: "I'm tremendously grateful to the PCT for supporting us but sad it's come to an end. We applied again for more and even though we have been linking songs and work to obesity, the PCT's focus for this year, we were not successful.

"We have applied for money from the Lottery's Awards For All but haven't heard anything yet."

After next week's show the group will take a break until the New Year.

Mrs Harney said: "By then we should know if we have money to continue or whether we need to go out with a bang. If someone comes knocking on our door with a cheque before then, we'll get together sooner and that'll be fantastic."

About 100 people from across the district are linked to Performance Express although the core membership is about 20. The group has just recorded its sixth CD called Lost and Found.

Full Monty actor Steve Huison, who runs Shipley-based Shoestring Theatre company, is a regular supporter of Performance Express by helping members with their acting and music skills.

He said: "Performance Express gives people sanity and stability. Mental health users need firm routine, we have people turning up every week for rehearsals. Let's see if hospital admissions go up when these people don't have any creativity in their lives."

Member Tess Hardy, a 23-year-old mum-of-one from Frizinghall, said: "I have been with the group about five years now and am doing things I never thought I would be able to. I can sing, I've got a voice. Now I can talk in public."

Tess, who has suffered from depression and a personality disorder, added: "I'm so confident now. I've become a breastfeeding counsellor at my local family centre and I talk to other mums there about the needs we have at the centre."

David Pitts, 35, of Steeton, has been with Performance Express since it began in 1998. He said: "It's lots of fun, especially when Steve comes. It's the singing I like as well as all the people here. I'm not sure what I'll do if I can't keep on coming. I'll probably go shopping in Keighley instead."

A spokesman for Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT said it valued the work of the voluntary sector in providing a wide range of mental health services across the Bradford district.

She said: "Performance Express has received funding over three years from the PCT. However, there are always competing demands for additional funding and unfortunately we're unable to support them further."

Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Harney on (01274) 822333.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk