CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a charity which helps the elderly with home repairs and maintenance was saved from the axe.

Hyndburn Homewise, a not-for-profit charity, faced going under when its contract with Lancashire County Council was undercut by a national firm.

However the charity, which serves 4,000 residents, has been saved following a campaign from residents, councillors and Hyndburn MP Graham Jones.

The charity’s contract with Lancashire County Council for providing home adaptations has been extended until March.

Under previous plans, the contract would have ended this month and there was a threat of redundancy to staff.

Charity manager Sue Sinclair said: “We have been providing a service to Hyndburn residents for 20 years and have provided and installed over 21,000 disability aids.

“For many, our service is a lifeline and since Christmas the service has been under threat.

“I’m delighted that we will now be able to play a part in the review and that we can continue to provide this vital service to help Hyndburn residents.

“I would like to thank everybody who has campaigned with us to reverse this decision.”

The organisation, based in Whalley Road, Accrington, provides impartial help and advice on all aspects of home improvements, adaptations, repairs and maintenance including a handyman for clients who are over 60.

Mr Jones said: “The newly-elected Labour administration at County Hall has shown a strong commitment to Hyndburn and I’m delighted we have managed to change the original decision.

“Hyndburn Homewise has an excellent reputation and has helped thousands of residents.

“The county council has acknowledged that there are tough decisions to be made but they understand that local services are best delivered at a local level, by local organisations.”