RUKHSANA Javaid says that seeing her daughter Ayeesha smile makes her world.

And what mum wouldn’t agree. But now Rukhsana and other parents are concerned that a scheme that has helped their children get more out of life has been hit by cuts.

Ayeesha suffers from a blood disease but her mum says that the Duke Of Edinburgh award scheme has given her a new lease of life.

Now that scheme is under threat as it has had a quarter of its budget cut by Kirklees Council.

Those who run it are desperate to recruit more volunteers and potentially more financial backers to ensure that the 1,500 young people who take part in the scheme in Kirklees every year continue to do so.

Over the years the award scheme has proved inspirational to children of all abilities and backgrounds. It has taught many a great deal about themselves, inspired them to do things they may not have thought possible and encouraged all of them to give something back to their community.

These are things that we should all want for the next generation so if you think you can help, get in touch with the scheme organisers.