Generous Telegraph & Argus readers have smashed the £12,000 target of our Save Our Play appeal after just one month... but now we are aiming even higher!

The future of Bradford Toy Library has been secured for at least one more year - thanks to YOUR efforts.

But, because of the sheer number of donations still rolling in and fund-raising events planned, we have decided to keep the appeal going to try to secure the library's long-term survival.

The toy library, which lends out toys to stimulate and educate more than 1,000 youngsters with special needs and disabilities, was on the brink of closure when the T&A started the appeal in December.

And you, the readers, responded magnificently to our call to raise the cash urgently needed to cover running costs and help replace specialist equipment which families rely on.

Co-ordinators of the vital resource, based in St Luke's Hospital, were quickly overwhelmed by the response, which saw hundreds rallying to the cause.

Individual gifts of a few pounds, as well as big cheques from local business, all helped push the total up at a terrific rate.

Now a superb donation of nearly £3,000 by Bradford food and restaurant company, Mumtaz, has seen the target achieved.

Chris Baker, general manager at Mumtaz, said the firm was more than happy to present the library with a cheque for £2,900. He said: "We feel it is our duty to be involved with the local community," he said. "We have been in Bradford for 20 years and we always like to help out.

"I am very impressed by the toy library. It is an essential service for Bradford, helping out children with special needs.

"We would never let the library close. It is key to the community."

It was Bradford athlete Zaf Shah who introduced company directors to the appeal after reading about it in the T&A.

Mr Shah said: "I am sure this will not be a one-off gift. We will continue to help."

Co-ordinator Emma Fawcett, who helps run the library, said: "It is absolutely unbelievable the amount of support we have had.

"In the space of just a month, I did not expect us to get to the target. The £5 gifts from neighbours have been just as important as the big donations."

The money means the charity can start to make plans for the future and begin to buy new, specialist toys, which can cost more than £100 each. It is hoped to introduce plays sessions and produce a brochure to let more people know about the library.

The cash also ensures parents will continue to have access to the Laura Jackson Book Library, housed in the toy library, which offers access to vital information.

Emma said: "We have lived hand-to-mouth for several years. Now we know we are going to be here for another 12 months we can begin to buy much needed specialist toys.

"One of our most popular toys costs £110 and we have one and we could really do with 50. We would also like to build a sensory corner for the children.

"It is so exciting to know we can get on and do so many more things."

T&A Editor, Perry Austin-Clarke, said he was delighted to receive the donation. "It's fantastic that this money guarantees that the toy library can stay open for another 12 months," he said.

"The minimum target we set ourselves when we started this appeal was £12,000 - enough to cover the costs of the running the charity for another year - but it's obvious, thanks to the generosity of our readers, that we're going to be able to do far more than that.

"Money is still arriving for our appeal fund almost daily and many people have pledged money to it from fund-raising events being held in the coming weeks and months.

"We're enormously grateful for all the help and support we've received and we'd urge all our readers to remember that every single penny we raise will help to keep this vital charity open for longer.

"The more money our appeal raises, the more breathing space the dedicated staff will have to secure long-term funding for their fantastic work."