A VETERANS' support group says it has been heartened by a pledge from Hull City Council to help keep their advice centre open.
Staff at Hull Veterans' Support Centre announced last month it faces closure unless funding was found.
David Bragg, director and trustee of the centre, which opened in July, met with council representatives yesterday.
It was agreed the local authority would do everything in its power to keep the centre open and help it obtain grants from funding organisations.
RAF veteran Mr Bragg, 62, who set up the centre with three other veterans, said: "I am certainly more optimistic than I was a few weeks ago when it looked as though we would have to close with immediate effect."
The centre is based in the Louis Pearlman Centre, off Hessle Road, west Hull.
For weeks, Mr Bragg and others have been running the centre using their own money, but cash is running out.
Mr Bragg, of west Hull, said: "We can't continue to do this for much longer.
"The management of Louis Pearlman has kindly offered us another month's free rent, which will buy us extra time to find the funding we needed.
"Both the centre and Hull City Council are extremely supportive of what we do.
"They believe in us, which is very encouraging."
Eventually, it is thought Hull Veterans' Support Centre will be moved to a more central location.
More information was given to Mr Bragg at the meeting about possible locations.
"A number of possible locations have been suggested," said Mr Bragg.
"The Jubilee Centre in King Edward Street has been suggested to us, but nothing has yet been agreed."
Mr Bragg said the council appears to be taking the Veterans' Charter seriously.
The document, signed by the council and MPs last year, promises priority in housing, health and welfare services to former service personnel.
Mr Bragg said it is vital people have somewhere to go to seek help and advice once they leave the services.
"We are all ex-servicemen and know the difficulties people face when they leave the Armed Forces," he said.
Visit www.hull veteranssupport centre.org.uk to make a donation to help keep the centre open.
