A PLAY scheme for children with special needs has closed - depriving parents and children of an important support network.

Timeout had served children throughout Worcestershire for six years, until it closed at the end of June when its founder Mencap pulled the plug on funding.

The group, based at Evesham Methodist Church, looked after children with learning and physical difficulties for three hours every fortnight, giving parents a chance to have some time for themselves or be with their other children.

Carol Johnson's nine-year-old son Sam has verbal dyspraxia and learning problems and loved going to the group.

"Sam enjoyed meeting his friends and I don't think they really understand why it can't continue," she said.

"One little boy was crying when it ended."

She said the group was a lifeline to many parents.

"For some of the parents it offers a bit of breathing space for them and I think the kids enjoyed going and having time away from their parents too," she added.

Ms Johnson said the parents were determined to find funds to get it up and running again - a task she said has been made difficult because the group was ended with so little warning from Mencap.

"Grants are available from charities - but only for up and coming groups," she said. "We are in a more difficult position now as some of the avenues are no longer available once a group is closed."

She said the cost of running the scheme was £7,000 a year, but could be as little as £4,000 if savings were made.

The 41-year-old said the church had offered the use of a room at a reduced rate if Timeout reformed.

A spokeswoman for Mencap's Evesham Pershore and District branch said: "It is with great regret that the scheme has been suspended.

"At a meeting held with parents at the end of May, the parents were very understanding and in agreement that sessions should be suspended for six months whilst a committee of parents be set up to seek sponsorship and fund-raise and increase attendance."

However, this is disputed by parents.

The spokeswoman added: "We are a voluntary led charity affiliated to Royal Mencap but autonomous.

"Our members have been fund-raising, campaigning, and providing services for approximately 40 years, but it has now become too big a task for our small group of fund-raisers to fund for so few."

Anyone who can help can call Ms Johnson on 01386 725499.