‘Thank you’ – that was the heartfelt message as a vital children’s service prepares to close its doors.

A celebration day was held at Waves in Weymouth yesterday ahead of its closure next week.

The service, which is run by The Children’s Society, has acted as an advice hub for youngsters with mental health problems and has offered counselling for a number of issues, including domestic abuse.

Waves’ funding has sadly come to an end and the charity has been unable to find alternative sources of funding.

Gary Thomas, The Children’s Society Director for the South of England, said: “There’s a lot to celebrate.

“Over the years people have come here feeling sad and the biggest thing is that they’ve been listened to and have gone away feeling happier.

“There has and still is magic in these walls and for me that is the biggest legacy which has been left over the last 25 years. Thank you.”

Nigel Robinson of St Aldhelm’s Church said: “25 years of Waves in Weymouth, thank you to the current staff, thank you to the old staff, thank you to those who have helped all the families and young people who have set foot through those doors.

“Waves is needed in this town and should be staying.This is about money, but today we have heard about something money can’t buy - feelings – the feelings of the workers who have been here over the years. The families, the children’s feelings. Please can we try and keep some of this going? such an excellent team is already dividing. It’s not too late, there’s still time.”

Helen Walsh, project manager of Space Youth Project said: “Thank you Waves for supporting the LGBT community right at the beginning when it wasn’t trendy or fashionable. You were there for us.”

Interim CEO of the Children’s Society Nick Roseveare said he feels a great sense of pride at what’s been achieved over the years.

Speaking after the presentation, he said: “It’s frustrating the situation which we are in. Charities rely on a lot of volunteers and supporters but also on funding to deliver core parts of their services.

“We will still be eager to accept funding to keep open, but sooner or later you have to make a decision. We are talking about people’s jobs; the rent has to be paid.”

The service costs £120,000 a year to run and funding is needed for a minimum of two years for it to be viable. Waves will close its doors on Friday, April 26.