A charity has issued an urgent appeal to raise £7,000 amid fears it could be forced to cut back on some of its community programmes.

Sittingbourne Salvation Army, in Shortlands Road, runs a number of vital services including a food bank, offering emergency supplies for rescued trafficking victims, a lunch club for older people who may be isolated and a scheme to help unemployed people find work.

It hopes to collect enough cash to ensure it can continue to maintain its existing level of services and keep its bills paid.

Major Robert Jepson, who is the church leader, said: “The Salvation Army is a church and charity dedicated to caring for anyone who comes to us and whoever we meet.

“The reality of our situation is we do what we do because we love people, but the need is great and we would appreciate warmly any monetary support - be it a one off donation or a regular gift.

“We are reliant on the generosity of members of the public who support our work, and we are appealing for people in Sittingbourne to donate money to help us to support those we help in their local community.”

Like previous years, the church’s Christmas Toy Appeal will be running throughout the festive season, and it is hoped more of the children’s presents than ever before can be collected for distribution to needy families in the area.

To donate, send cheques payable to The Salvation Army, 64 Shortlands Road, Sittingbourne, or visit www.Salvationarmy.org.uk/sittingbourne for more details.