CRISIS talks to save a vital Widnes training centre have revealed that two mystery backers may be able to help.

But at an emotional public meeting dedicated staff urged other people to come forward and help raise the £10,000 needed to stop the closure of the YMCA in Ditton, Widnes.

"Only having three weeks makes it so much harder," said the centre's manageress, Christine Morris. "But we're confident that if can just get through that first month, we can support ourselves - that's the biggest hurdle.

"There will be a massive gap if we have to close and a big knock-on effect on other service providers too."

The training centre on the Towngate business park has been running for 20 years providing up to 90 young people and adults with a vital place to gain direction in their lives.

Courses ranging from literacy and numeracy to car mechanics, child care, computing and administration are provided by a close-knit team of nine staff who have rejected job offers elsewhere to stay together to try to keep it afloat.

"We're a 'can do' not 'can't do' place," said Gail Calland, the centre co-ordinator. "We ask people what they really want to do with their lives, then help them achieve this dream."

But the reality is that the centre relies on winning contracts from local schools, vocational colleges and employers, something which, according to Mrs Morris, the YMCA doesn't believe the centre can continue to do.

"They have been supportive in that they are backing our idea to keep it going but they can't see we have got future security of the contracts when we know we can."

The two potential backers who attended Monday night's meeting declined to be quoted in the World but Mrs Morris said that after intensive talks with them, she believed 'they share the same vision' and was confident they could work with anyone else willing to help.

A YMCA director consulting with training centre staff over the closure was unavailable to comment yesterday.

Anyone who thinks they can help can call 0151-420 8233.