An upbeat meeting of York charity SNAPPY heard that the future remains bright, despite the closure of two of its projects for young people.

Fundraising efforts will continue, and York's business community was urged to dig deep so the charity can continue to offer social lives and vital life skills to children and young people with special needs.

The true value of SNAPPY's work with young children was on display at yesterday's annual general meeting.

Young people who have benefited from the facilities and activities provided by the charity sang and danced in front of a delighted audience.

Executive officer Anne Pemberton said that despite the setback of having to close Junior and Senior SNAPPY - which cater for 14 to 25-year-olds - because of a lack of funds, people should not dwell on the negative.

"The last year at Snappy has not been the easiest but we have had some great moments and some even greater ones," she said.

"The future is bright - it always is in our world. We have many plans, we will never stand still and we will keep on working for the very best for our children, young people and young adults."

She added: "Our efforts to continue our specialist projects will continue with renewed vigour."

Chairman John Mills said the charity needed to raise at least £50,000 each year just to keep SNAPPY's core activities going.

"Local companies help us in many ways but we have never yet found a major sponsor who can give ongoing support over a long period of time, and that's where we have a problem at the moment," he said.