Charity workers in Swindon are hoping for a large turn-out today in a demonstration against proposed cuts to the voluntary sector.

Voluntary Action Swindon, based in John Street, has organised the protest as the council meets to discuss planned £250,000 funding cuts.

Paul Dixon, the funding adviser with VAS, said: "The most important thing for us is that funding enables many local groups to draw in funds from other sources.

"If the grants are cut this funding would also be lost to the town. It will be a double blow.

"All we are asking is that the council finds additional savings of £250,000 from elsewhere this year.

"We will support them in how to make it better for Swindon."

The council will meet today at 6pm in the Civic Offices in Euclid Street to discuss the cuts.

VAS says it currently has 40 people committed to the rally including representatives from Age Concern Swindon, the Women's Refuge and the Racial Equality Council but is hoping more than 100 will take part.

Martha Parry, the co-ordinator of the Mechanics Trust, will also be there.

She said: "The council can't go making cuts in the dark.

"They're cutting something they don't know anything about."

Anyone who is interested in joining today's demonstration should telephone VAS on 01793 538398.