CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Worcestershire's outdoor education centres have thanked supporters for their work so far - but warned them the battle is not yet over.

Caroline Evans, of Worcestershire Outdoor Education Development Association (WOEDA), said the concerted campaign from people of all ages across the county played a major part in helping to save the centres at Malvern and Llanrug from being closed.

But with their subsidies now taken away, the centres are facing a hard future and must become self-funding to remain open.

"First of all, a huge thank you to you all for all your hard work, e-mails and letters expressing support," she said.

"It has meant a great deal. Councillors were made aware, in no uncertain terms, of the strength of feeling that exists in Worcestershire and beyond and I know that your support has played a major part in keeping the centres open."

In November, the Worcester News reported Worcestershire County Council needed to make cuts of about £18 million in the next three years and was proposing to close the centres to save about £700,000.

However, there was widespread opposition to the proposals which saw more than 100 people sign a petition and two public protests take place at County Hall.

Although the centre's subsidy was taken away, the council agreed to a £100,000 bursary to enable deprived and vulnerable children to use the centres.

While the move has been welcomed, Ms Evans is urging campaigners not to get complacent.

"The funding has been removed and the cost of sending our children to the outdoor education centres at Malvern, Upton Warren and Llanrug will have to increase significantly to cover the loss of the subsidy," she said.

"Since the decision to remove the subsidy was taken, a task and finish group has been meeting to assess the financial viability of the centres under the new system.

"If this group chooses not to accept the centres' plans, they could still be closed down."

As a result, she is calling on people to contact their local councillors in support of the centres.

"Let your councillor know, in advance of Thursday's local elections, that this is still an important issue for the people of Worcestershire," she said.