A CHARITY that helps disabled and disadvantaged young people could have performed its last dance unless money is raised to keep it going.

The Parasol Project, a dancing group for teenagers who are disabled or suffer from social exclusion, faces closure after December due to funding shortages.

The group, which meets every Saturday morning at Blackbird Leys Youth Centre, could have performed for the last time at its final show at The Old Fire Station on Tuesday.

Dance choreographer and project coordinator Emma-Jane Greig said the group was "truly unique".

She said one of the "magical " aspects of the project was that it includes anyone, no matter who or where they are from.

She said: "It would be heartbreaking if this truly valuable provision ceased to run.

"It is a place where young people from all backgrounds and abilities can come together and share their love for dance. "Some of the young people have been attending the group for over six years."

Created in 1991 in response to a lack of inclusive play and leisure activities in the county, the project has been available for young people aged 13 to 19 to have fun and gain new experiences.

The group performs on a regular basis, but the only funding it receives is for disabled young people.

The project has been involved in a four-week summer project based at East Oxford Community Centre.

It has also created a Kickstarter page to raise £2,450.

The group's costs include the hire of a community centre and staff.

Ms Greig, who has worked for the charity for about 10 years, said in an appeal to the public that she was "immensely proud" to be a part of it.

She added: "It's a charity that has so much heart and so much soul.

"The charity works with over 300 disabled and non-disabled young people every year.

"It's about bringing two groups together that are often segregated – that makes this charity so unique."