A TOY library which has been running for 28 years is appealing for funds as it struggles to deal with serious financial difficulties.

News Shopper reported in April how Charlton Toy Library, Charlton Road, could close for good if a funding gap of £40,000 was not filled.

Since then the library has been nominated as Greenwich Sainsbury’s charity of the year, had £2,530 raised by London marathon runner Kirsty Alson and £1,000 from the London Bikeathon.

The Westcombe Society also donated £250 to the campaign.

But despite donations, the library had to let go of its manager and relies on part-time staff and volunteers.

Its chairman Colin Brown said: “We’ve been delighted with the response from the community to our last fundraising appeal but these are challenging times and it is vital we maintain momentum through the year.

“We urge the community to come and support the library by joining-up as members, volunteering to work at the library and helping us in our fund raising efforts over the coming year.”

The charity provides advice to parents along with a mobile library lending toys and children’s books.

Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford is supporting the fundraising.

He said: “Fundraising will be all the more important to maintain the Toy Library services that young families rely on now more than ever.

“I urge everyone to get behind Charlton Toy Library and the important work it does.”

To get involved email charltontoylibrary@gmail.com or visit charltontoylibrary.co.uk