LONG-TERM funding is desperately being sought for a voluntary service that helps local victims of domestic violence.

Craven Domestic Violence Forum has secured funds until March next year, but development worker Debbie Connor says it needs more secure backing to maintain and expand the existing service.

She explained: "At the moment, we have got short-term funding, but our priority is to run on full capacity. We have put a business plan together, which includes plans to develop the service to include working with children and perpetrators, as well as victims.

"All voluntary organisations have problems securing funding. We would love to get a statutory body to support the work we are doing."

Until then, £20,000 has been secured from Craven Crime Reduction Partnership, £2,500 from the Craven Area Committee and £12,000 from Lloyds TSB.

One volunteer, who has worked at the centre since its launch in October 2001, said: "There is a significant need for the service in Craven. Domestic violence occurs in rural communities more often than people might think - victims are isolated with often nowhere to go."

While the service may be short on funding, it is rich in volunteers and four new workers have recently completed their training. This takes the number of volunteers to seven and there are also two outreach workers.

The forum's base is at an undisclosed address, but victims can ring the confidential help line on 01756 794400.