A charity has been saved from closure after being given an emergency grant.

FACES (Families Affected by Caring Empowerment Services) of Kent, which supports young carers in Sheppey and Sittingbourne, will now be able to stay in the borough after Kent County Council (KCC) opted to give it £30,000.

The decision followed a meeting between chief executive Sandie Hornby and KCC’s cabinet member for children’s specialist services Jenny Whittle.

All five staff will keep their jobs.

Meetings for young carers in Sheerness will hopefully restart next week but the charity needs to find a new venue as their slot in Chalkwell Road has been filled.

Mrs Hornby said: “The support we received was fantastic, KCC was bombarded with emails and letters.

“Councillors worked tirelessly drumming up support, in particular Mike Whiting and Roger Truelove, and we are very grateful. We would also like to thank MP Gordon Henderson for his help.”

Cllr Whiting said: “This is fantastic news for FACES, the staff and more importantly the hundreds of young carers that get help from the charity.”

• Contact FACES on 01795 479475 or visit www.facesofkentorg.uk