An under-threat charity that helps people fighting addiction is pleading for help to scoop a �6,000 community award.

The Iceni Project, based in Foundation Street, is in the running for a Natwest CommunityForce prize but needs its supporters help to win it.

The charity was plunged into financial peril last year when the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team switched its funding to new tenders.

The Evening Star launched a campaign – together with Ipswich Town – and helped the charity raise half of the �260,000 needed to secure its survival.

Brian Tobin, pictured, the Iceni’s co-founder, said funding was now in place to keep the charity going for the next 18 months.

Mr Tobin said if the charity won the NatWest community award it would fund a project helping young mothers with addictions.

He added: “This award would greatly help us enhance our work with parents struggling with an addiction with the overall aim being to give vulnerable children who are – or risk being separated from their family – a safe, healthy and secure future.

“We are asking all our supporters and well-wishers to make this a successful nomination and you can help us to get the votes we need to win.

“This opportunity will raise much-needed funds for our services and we really need your vote to help highlight an important issue that affects hundreds of children in Ipswich and Suffolk.”

To back the charity’s nomination visit communityforce.natwest.com/project/2560 before voting closes on Sunday, October 16.