A pre-school centre for deaf children that was due to close amid financial difficulties is set to stay open for at least another year, it emerged today.

The Elizabeth Foundation, in Smith Lane, Daisy Hill, Bradford, was on the verge of shutting up shop in July, but was given a reprieve until April 2010.

Today, the trustees of the foundation revealed that the centre’s stay of execution would be prolonged even further thanks to overwhelming support from local people.

Margaret Southern, the centre’s director and senior teacher of deaf pupils, said: “Everyone is delighted. We are all full of hope and very positive feelings for the coming year.

“All kinds of people have given their time and money, and are continuing to do so.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support, and I would like to say a huge thankyou on behalf of all the parents and future parents of deaf children, who because of their support will still be able to benefit from our specialised services.”

The Elizabeth Foundation, which is a registered charity, caters for any family in the region who can reach the centre whose child is under five and has a hearing loss.

But centre bosses have warned that the support of local people is still needed to ensure the medium to long-term future of the facility.

The trustees of the Elizabeth Foundation said they were now able to keep the centre open for at least a further year, so that other avenues of funding could be explored.

The recently formed Friends of The Elizabeth Foundation Yorkshire, has been actively fundraising, and this strong commitment has given the Trustees confidence.

Nicola Bentley, chairman of the friends group, said: “We are keen to promote the Elizabeth Foundation, its services to deaf children and their parents, and raise the £135,000 a year necessary to enable us to stay open.

“We are happy to meet with local businesses and groups who are interested in our work.”

To help celebrate the news, the Hollywood Bowl and Pizza Hut, at the Leisure Exchange, in Bradford, treated the children to a free bowling and ice cream session yesterday.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should contact Margaret Southern, The Elizabeth Foundation, 27 Smith Lane, Bradford BD9 5HL.