Malvern Hills Homeless Young Adults Trust has begun a search for someone to guide its new funding bids as lottery cash dries up.

Grants from the National Lottery, which have helped the trust provide young residents at its 12-bed Foyer in Malvern Link with training and guidance, finish in August. They equate to nearly a quarter of its annual budget.

It now urgently needs someone with the relevant know-how to tap into other available funds.

Newly appointed trust chairman, Canon Bill Richards, said: "We are looking for somebody with a background in professional work, who may be retired, who could chase up grant aid bodies. We have got to find the replacement money for the lottery grant, which was 20 per cent of our £220,000 annual budget."

The remainder of funding for the purpose-built Foyer, comes from Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council, individual benefits, training fees for outside students and statutory payments.

With the help of Partnership Housing, the centre follows a French concept, combining residential and training facilities, to help homeless people find their place in society.

Canon Richards said: "Because the lottery enabled us to put in place the educational support and training in life skills, it's that that makes us particularly special as a Foyer. We teach cooking, managing funds, how to write a letter and CV - the kind of back-up that most people get from their parents but which for some people is lacking.

"I think it's brilliant because it's so supportive. At any one time we have 12 people who spend up to a year or two in the hostel. As a result, they find themselves established with a job, a GP and on their feet as good citizens.

"The continuity of support and reliability is of the essence in this work. We have got to be reliable and therefore we have got to find a reliable budget. If we fail the young people then all the good work is undone."

Anyone interested in offering their services, on negotiable terms should contact Foyer manager, Jonathan Green-wood, on 01684 568777.