A UNIQUE project, which set out to give disabled people in North Herefordshire a better quality of life, has been saved from closure, writes PETE BLENCH.

ECHO, which runs a charity shop at School Lane, Leominster, and a host of local activities for people with learning difficulties, has been awarded £175,000 of National Lottery charity cash through the Community Fund.

The group, which organises pottery, music, drama, cooking and other activities, was turned down for a lottery grant last May and feared it would have to fold.

ECHO hung by a thread for nine months while it tried again for a 'crucial' grant.

This week leader Fiona Ritchie welcomed the Community Fund cash boost - but stressed that the money had been given for new work, including employment of development workers in Leominster and Hereford.

"It doesn't solve all of ECHO's financial problems," she said. "Several of the projects we run in Leominster will be running out of money this year.

"Most funders want to put money into new projects. Sadly this means that many good ideas fail after the first year.

"However, if perseverance is a good indicator of success, ECHO can look forward to a rosy future."