STUDENTS from Wiltshire College have been helping raise money for a £263,000 project to create a tourist attraction and work for young adults with learning disabilities.

Volunteers behind the Hope Nature Centre project have raised half the cash but still need over £100,000 and say every little helps.

Eight students from the Foundation Studies Course completed a three-mile sponsored walk to raise money for the project on Monday.

Tutor Graeme Athey said: "All of the students who took part could benefit from this project and they raised just under £100."

The Hope Nature Centre will provide a safe and stimulating working environment for 40 adults with learning disabilities. West Wiltshire Dis-trict Council has agreed to lease the trustees 15 acres of Southwick Country Park for the project, which already has planning permission.

The attraction will include a tearoom, souvenir and craft shop, greenhouses, nature trail, miniature railway, educational activities, animal village and play area.

June Fleming, chairman of Hope Nature Centre, said: "We have had lots of wonderful help and support and the money is building up.

"We have a fantastic amount already but need a big push now so we can get going."

Fundraising events coming up include an auction of promises at Southwick Baptist Church on December 6.