Two clubs for young people with learning difficulties have been saved from closure.

The Saturday Clubs are based in Lewes and provide support, activities and outings for people aged from nine to 19.

They have been managed by Southdown Housing Association and paid for through a grant and by Lewes Mencap.

They are the only service for children run by Southdown and the association has found it difficult to meet growing regulations governing services for children so the clubs faced having to close down.

Southdown launched a search for a new managing organisation and East Sussex County Council's children's disability service has stepped in. The council will continue to run the clubs in partnership with Mencap, which has guaranteed to pay for them for at least the next two years.

Susan McGowan's daughter Laura, 11, is a club member and enjoys a range of activities twice a month while her mother knows she is safe and happy.

Mrs McGowan said: "The clubs provide a much-needed resource in Lewes and it is critical that families who have children with special needs get support."

Meg Stroude, the county council's lead member for children and families' services, said: "This is an important local service that gives young people with learning difficulties a chance to contribute to and be included in local community activities."

Southdowns area manager Heather May said: "We know how much the children's clubs are needed so we're delighted they will continue under the reins of East Sussex children's services."