The Paper Trail is sourcing new technology that will allow its Apsley paper mill to run seven days a week, creating five new jobs.

Director of operations, John Watson, said the device would make small-scale paper production economical.

He said: "If successfully developed it will, in time, create several hundred jobs in the region and be of international significance."

But the charity, that operates a historic Victorian mill, could face closure if it does not raise £200,000 before the end of the month (January).

Chief executive Jacky Bennett said: "What is so frustrating is that we were on track to be self sufficient by 2010.

"If we can find this money we can continue to work towards this by having an extra shift at the mill, working seven days instead of four."

An appeal to help plug the six figure gap, created when an unused piece of land could not be sold due to the credit crunch, was launched in November.

Despite a wealth of support and £28,500 worth of pledged donations, the charity needs to find a further £171,500 to secure its future.

Founder and chairman, Peter Ingram, said: "The truly unique and historic Frogmore Paper Mill is being conserved very deliberately to meet society's present and future needs and demands.

"In the short term it needs a helping hand to fill the funding gap resulting from the credit crunch."

You can support the charity and gain a free pass to its mill for a year by becoming a Friend of the Paper Trail.

Family membership is £30, couples' and single membership is £22 and £12 respectively, or £18 and £10 concessions.

If you would like to find out more about the charity and how you can help please visit www.thepapertrail.org.uk.