The scrapping of council funding for a city centre family support charity has prompted a shopping precinct to host a children’s fundraising event to support the service.

This Sunday Home-Start St Albans hopes that princesses and pirates from Wish Upon a Party will help to kick-start its new funding drive with a range of entertainment at Christopher Place.

County councillors recently agreed to stop funding the home visiting service, despite a petition calling upon them to reinstate it.

Suzy Moody from Home-Start said: “Since the announcement we have been touched by the number of messages we have received from people across the district.”

Although it has been let down by the council, the charity still hopes it can provide families across the district with support.

Princesses and pirates will be on the lawn at Christopher Place from noon until 3pm, to entertain children with balloon modelling and story-telling, along with outdoor toys and games.

Centre manager Catherine Morris said: “Christopher Place is always looking at ways to support local community groups and charities, and we are really looking forward to the event.”

Kate Hearn from Wish Upon a Party said: “When I heard about the plight of Home-Start St Albans I wanted to help out to make sure that such a vital service to mums, dads and young families in the district wasn’t lost.”