A UNIQUE play centre set up by a mum who was inspired by her disabled daughter could close within weeks unless they can find a generous sponsor.

Emma Birkett is desperately seeking donations and sponsorship from local businesses to help keep open the Boomerang Play Centre, in Woodhill Street, which is running out of funds.

The Brandlesholme mum opened the centre four years ago after she could not find anywhere suitable for daughter Ellie to play, and it now caters to thousands of children across the North West.

Boomerang was carefully designed to provide equipment for children with a range of disabilities, and the news of its financial troubles has left visitors devastated.

Mrs Birkett, aged 38, said: “I always felt there was not really anywhere else that caters for children like Ellie.

“A lot of parents don’t feel comfortable taking children with physical or mental disabilities to regular play areas because they just aren’t set up to cater for them.

“It would be a massive shame to lose the centre because it’s such a good facility.

“We have families coming from all over the North West to visit us. We are very unique in what we offer.

“We have had loads of e-mails and letters of support from people who use the centre and they are devastated at the thought of losing it.

“There’s nowhere else they can go.”

Ellie, now aged 14 and a pupil at Birtenshaw School in Bolton, has autism, severe learning difficulties and mobility problems.

The centre opened in 2011 after five years of fundraising, and it is now hoped that businesses will be open to sponsoring one of Boomerang’s specially designed rooms.

Unless sufficient funds can be found, then the facility will be forced to close in a matter of weeks.

Mrs Birkett added: “This is a really important provision in the community and something unique to Bury.

“Everyone has been very supportive of us as a charity over the years and we need that to continue.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring or donating to Boomerang can contact Emma Birkett on 0161 7644842 or e-mail boomerangplaycentre@yahoo.co.uk

Donations can also be made online here