The Paper Trail has just weeks left to find nearly £200,000 or it may close its doors for good.

The Apsley-based charity became a victim of the financial climate when it failed to sell a piece of land last year.

It has scraped together £30,000 in donations but cannot secure a bank loan without further support from the public.

Chief executive Jacky Bennett explained: "We're fast approaching the point where it won't be realistic to stay open.

"We need hard cash before the end of January.

"Our bank is trying to help us but obviously they're not keen in this climate.

"They want evidence that the public are supporting us.

"We need to raise £200,000 but if we managed £50,000 or £100,000 that would help us with our case for help from the bank."

The Paper Trail's Frogmore Mill is a nationally renowned, award-winning heritage site which preserves the history of papermaking at the birthplace of paper's industrial revolution.

Thanks to a £1million cash injection from the Heritage Lottery fund, it has become a major tourist attraction for Dacorum that has welcomed 20,000 visitors since July last year.

The landmark site, that operates a 200-year-old paper mill, is also a hub for recycling and sustainability that is praised by environmentalists and endorsed by hundreds of schools.

Mrs Bennett said: "The total money raised from the appeal is rising, but it's very slow.

"All donations are still very much appreciated and really help.

"Anything from £5 us useful. Any more than that is wonderful.

"People who can't afford huge sums of money could join our friends scheme which has the bonus of free entry to the site.

"This gives us up front cash which is what we really need right now."

Anyone who would like to know more about the appeal or The Paper Trail can contact Jacky Bennett on 01442 234600, email HERE or visit HERE.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Become a Friend of The Paper Trail as a family (£30), a couple (£18) or individual (£12). Concessions are available. In return, you receive free entry to the Frogmore Mill visitor centre and 10 per cent discount on Paper Trail courses and activities for one year.

Cash donations can be made at the Paper Trail's Frogmore Mill Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Cheque donations can be made payable to Apsley Paper Trail and posted to: Give Us A Hand, Apsley Paper Trail, Frogmore Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP3 9RY.

Credit card donations can be made by calling 01442 234600 and asking for a Give Us A Hand co-ordinator.

Businesses and corporate organisations are urged to consider a £5,000 donation as part of their corporate social responsibility policy.