Fundraising for Folkestone's town sprucer passed its £5,000 target days before the deadline loomed.

A crowdfunding bid launched at the start of the month to raise the money.

But today it reached the target allowing Pete Phillips and his team of volunteers can continue and organisers have thanked everyone involved.

They vowed not to let the supporters down.

A message from David Taylor, the scheme's co-founder and co-ordinator, said: "Five thousand thanks to all who have pledged.

"Sprucer Peter Phillips and all the job-seekers and volunteers send heartfelt thanks to you kind donors of Folkestone, Hythe and, in some cases, far beyond.

"The people have shown their will. Today America celebrates Thanksgiving Day. The Folkestone Town Sprucer team celebrates too.

"Many, many thanks. We won't let you down."

"Sprucer Peter Phillips and all the job-seekers and volunteers send heartfelt thanks to you kind donors of Folkestone, Hythe and, in some cases, far beyond." Sprucer co-ordinator, David Taylor

Within the first 48 hours more than £500 was raised and today that figure has gone past £4,500.

David Taylor, co-ordinator of the sprucer scheme, said from the outset they were confident the target would be reached. And today he was proved right.

He added he has been refreshing the crowdfunding page throughout the days to keep an eye on progress.

The target was an important milestone not only to keep the scheme going but because, if it was not reached, none of the money pledged would have been released.

But the long-term future of the scheme remains in doubt after funding, axed by Folkestone Town Council in April, came to an end the same day crowdfunding kicked off on Saturday, October 31.

New funding plans are being discussed between the co-ordinators and revenue sources to secure long-term grants to keep the work going.

The scheme, which costs £20,000 to run, launched in 2013 under the Bradstone Association residents’ group. It is now run by registered charity Sunflower House.

You can carry on donating until the page closes on Sunday. Go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/FolkestoneTownSprucer