Strood Community Project which has helped thousands of needy and vulnerable people over more than a decade, closes tomorrow because of a lack of funding.

The charity hub in the High Street,which includes a food bank, and offers training skills and advice on welfare and benefits, has gone into liquidation.

But many of the services at the centre will be transferring just along the High Street to St Nicholas Church and will be overseen by the Rev David Green.

The future of the project's charity shop, also in the High Street, hangs in the balance with liquidators trying to find a way of keeping it open.

The venture was set up by three Strood churches about 11 years ago, the Rev Green's church, St Francis of Assisi and Strood Gospel Mission.

The Rev Green, said: "It is very sad, but we will continue to as much as we can in our lower hall. At the same time it will hopefully encourage more people to come into the church. It has always been our policy at St Nick's to reach out to the community and it is great we are in the middle of the town."

a statement on its website says: "It is with much sadness that the Trustees of Strood Community Project have to announce that they are having to shut the doors at Strood Community Project, with effect from 18 May 2018. This will mean that after 11 years, the SCP will no longer be able to offer services to the people of Strood and its surrounding area. The reason for this decision has been due to the fact that over the last 18 months, funding to core activities has become much harder to access given a very challenging and competitive environment.The Trustees would like to thank all staff and volunteers of SCP for their sterling work in providing much-needed services for the local people, as well as the local people and other stakeholders who have supported the organisation.

Food bank sessions will be held on Tuesday between1pm and 3pm and on Friday between 12noon and 2pm. The online IT skills is between 12noon and 2pm on Monday and the IT helpline for people with learning difficulties on Wednesday between 11.30amand 1.30pm. The current drop-in centre is open every Thursday between 11am and 3pm.