A CHILDREN'S playgroup in Evesham, closed down in July when its parent charity pulled the plug, is set to rise from the ashes.

But anxious parents are now seeking help from local businesses to ensure the smooth reopening of the club for children with learning difficulties.

Richard Perry, who was elected chairman of a new parents' committee which will run the renamed Riverside Saturday Club, said: "We do need help from as many local businesses as we try to start up again.

"We are organising our own events to raise funds but inevitably it will take time before we can get fully into the swing of things.

"I have spoken to some local businesses already and the response has been positive and heartwarming. We hope that will continue."

Richard, whose five-year-old son, Jordan, suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, said he had been devastated when the original Timeout Club, which met every other Saturday at the Avonbank Centre on Workman Bridge, was closed by the sponsor charity Mencap.

One of the reasons given for the decision was the annual cost of insurance. Now the parents have formed their own committee and a request for financial support has been made to the John Martin's Charity.

Trainee nurse Becky Green and the other staff and volunteers have all signalled their support for the parents' efforts.

"We are determined to get the club up and running again," said Richard. "It is important because it provides time out, not just for the children but for the parents too.

"The youngsters have shown how dependent they had become on the club as part of their regular routine and we will do our level best to give it back to them."