They’ve helped countless youngsters around East Hampshire since opening the doors of their Petersfield club more than two decades ago.

But having made a huge mark on the district the Kings Arms has now called on former users to leave a legacy of their own in their silver anniversary year.

The charity has launched an appeal having arrived at a crossroads ahead of its 25-year anniversary in November.

They’re asking former users and well-wishers to become one of a 1,000 legacy makers by pledging a one-off or annual donation of £25.

The combination of rising costs, increased competition for vital funding and never-ending demand for youth services means the charity with clubs in Petersfield and Alton is facing difficult choices.

A reduction in services is being considered while their plans to open a club in Horndean have been dashed as the former library looks set to become a dental practice.

But they’re keen on adding more chapters to their story either side of Butser through the legacy scheme, with donations ensuring the KA can continue to change lives for years to come.

“The people of Petersfield are so generous and kind but the big National Lottery fund has had too many requests from too many people,” said KA chair of trustees, John Callaghan.

“One thing we’re looking to get is corporate sponsorship and we really want to meet with those kind of people, but we also realised that we’ve had thousands of young people come through our doors over 25 years.

“The young people of 25 years ago are now adults, parents or even grandparents and probably settled. So we’re asking if they can make a one-off donation of £25 to help us out.

“It’s not huge but it’s a really significant sum, and if they can support us on an annual basis then even better. We want to make our 25th year not only a celebration of the past, but of a promising future.”

Mr Callaghan also says the KA remains keen to open a club in the Horndean area after the disappointment of missing out on the former library.

The former school building on Five Heads Road has been empty since it closed in 2021 as part of a Hampshire County Council bid to save £1.76m.

The King’s Arms Youth Project was one of two potential buyers but was ultimately overlooked with HCC preferring a quick sale and plans for conversion into a dental practice being recently submitted to East Hampshire District Council.

“Horndean is still a maybe as we’ve got some people that are really keen like the people at the Baptist church,” said Mr Callaghan.

“The county council said they needed the money up front and we respected that. We haven’t given up on Horndean and some groups of people are beginning to say we would like to do this.”

If you would like to help visit www.thekingsarms.org.uk/donate or contact Will at 01730 231292 or [email protected]