A Preston-based charity is appealing for money to help buy a centre in Ukraine that gives holidays to needy children.

On top of cash already raised, International Aid Trust have to come up with an extra £42,000 for the building after the local government in Odessa, southern Ukraine, pushed up the price on the site.

The idyllic plot on the shore of Lake Khadijbe boasts a dormitory for 150 children, staff accommodation, tennis courts, football pitches, netball courts -- and gets 280 days of sunshine every year.

Founder and director of the trust, Reverend Bernard Cocker, said the charity has been leasing the site since 1999, but the council in Odessa needed to sell it off.

Last year 4,000 poor or homeless children from across the former eastern block were treated to a holiday at the centre, where they are seen by doctors and dentists and given new clothes.

Mr Cocker said the charity, based in Much Hoole, had agreed to buy the 25-acre site for £54,000 before the 'Orange Revolution' in 2004. When Viktor Yushchenko took over, the authorities were forced to re-examine land deals. The land was revalued at £112,000 plus £12,000 in taxes -- £70,000 more.

"The Ukrainian authorities said that we were doing such a good job for Ukraine that they would give us a special deal," said Mr Cocker.

"The site is worth at least $1m £574,946, even at the new price it's less than a quarter of its value."

He said he was still hopeful as the charity had until September to raise £42,000 to fill the gap and had faith that God would provide.

"The people of Lancashire have always been so supportive like when the tsunami and the Pakistani earthquake happened, I'm sure there'll come up trumps again," he added. To help, call 01772 611000, or visit www.internationalaidtrust.org.uk.