THE fight to save a valuable educational resource at Drakewalls, which is earmarked for closure under Government cuts, will continue, says the centre's manager.

The Delaware Adventure Zone for Learning is set to close at the end of March. The purpose of the centre is to help inspire and give confidence to under achieving children towards fulfilling their learning abilities through linking outdoor activities to the curriculum.

But the manager of the resource is hoping a 'white knight,' possibly from the private sector, will step forward to save the centre.

This month the Government announced that all funding for such 'Playing for Success Centres' across the country would stop after March 31.

The Government has withdrawn £80,000 a year and this, combined with Cornwall Council stopping its funding of an annual £25,000, has threatened the facility and its four staff jobs — two full-time, two part-time.

Since it opened six and a half years ago more than 200 children a year from primary schools that feed Callington Community College, and students from the college itself, have benefited from DAZL, say supporters.

Over an eight-week course children take part in team building and problem solving. Activities such as archery, orienteering, climbing, environmental work, moorland walks and kayaking offer fun activities which are always linked to literacy, numeracy and ICT.

Manager Pat Brunskill told the Times it would be a travesty if the centre closed: 'I've been a teacher and headteacher for more than 30 years, and I have to say that this is by far the best job I have ever had.

'Using the outdoors to inspire children to believe in themselves and their abilities is so exciting. I love watching them blossom.

'There is nothing, absolutely nothing like it in this part of the world. The methods we use the children respond to time and again and it is proven to raise standards. We have a 95 per cent attendance record, the children love it.

'Once this resource is gone it can never be replaced. The Government has invested so much over the years and we have such a wonderful resource to help so many children that to close it now would be a tragedy.'

She is hoping there is a 'white knight' who can come to its rescue, perhaps a private business involved in outdoor activities.

Matthew Shirley, the headteacher of Callington School, said: 'The Dazzle programme has been thoroughly enjoyed by the children at Callington Primary School. It did wonders for their confidence and self-esteem whilst enabling them to get involved in activities that may not have been available to them otherwise. It is a shame the programme will not continue.'

Vicki Rigby, headteacher of Stoke Climsland School, said: 'So many of our pupils have benefited from the kind of learning that DAZL offers — outdoor learning that cannot be replicated elsewhere that motivates, builds self-esteem and raises achievement across the curriculum as well as giving pupils experiences socially, emotionally and academically that they will never forget.

'To deprive future pupils of this opportunity is a step in the wrong direction.'

Jan Gould, the headteacher of Calstock School told the Times: 'Along with our Year 6 teacher Lizzie Congdon, who has taught lots of children who have benefitted from attending DAZL sessions, we were very disappointed to learn that, despite all efforts, the Playing for Success centre DAZL is to close.

'DAZL gave tremendous support to our children who thoroughly enjoyed their time there.

'We are sad that younger children will not now benefit from this scheme.'

Pat estimates that to keep the centre alive it needs backing of around £75,000 a year.'

Headteacher of Harrowbarrow Primary School Andrew Hunt said: 'The DAZL staff have provided fantastically exciting, stimulating and enriching experiences in an environment and atmosphere that the school does not have the capacity to offer.

'They have engaged some of our less confident learners, promoting learning in literacy and maths through a variety of fun activities.

'We have seen the positive impact of this work, as children return to school with greater self-belief and a knowledge that they can achieve.'

Supporters of DAZL are being urged to write to Prime Minister David Cameron or their local MP to voice their protest. She also asks people to sign an online petition, which can be accessed through the website, http://www.dazlpfs.org.uk">www.dazlpfs.org.uk, to protest against the proposed closure.

Pat Brunskill appeals to any potential backers who could help save the resource to contact her on 01822 834814.