The campaign to buy a permanent base for people recovering from drug abuse in the north east has reached a significant milestone.
Teen Challenge is attempting to raise enough money to buy the Benaiah Centre, near Strichen, to house women and their children while they tackle drug addiction.
Its purchase – estimated to cost £535,000 – would allow mothers to continue to live with their family while they complete the 48-week recovery programme.
At present, the centre is rented by the Teen Challenge project.
But the charity has revealed it is now more than halfway towards reaching its target.
Confirming that they had raised £270,000, a spokesman thanked everyone who had donated.
Teen Challenge’s effort to buy the centre was boosted significantly by the efforts of Fraserburgh man Gordon Cruden who spent 30 days living on the streets of cities across the UK to raise awareness about the project.
Mr Cruden, 48, has raised more than £200,000 with his marathon charity effort.
He slept rough in London, before moving on to Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Last summer, he set off on a 15,000-mile round-trip of Europe with nothing but his passport and motorcycle to take part in the gruelling Euro Bike Challenge.
He crossed 47 countries and along the way had to contend with lost travel documents, pot holes, and was even held at gunpoint at the Ukrainian border.
Mr Cruden hailed it as an “incredible experience” and added: “It really captured the imagination of the bikers around Europe.
The Teen Challenge organisation also operates the Sunnybrae centre, near Fyvie, for men.
Its recovery course is based on Christian principles and is balanced between classroom studies and practical work which equip students with skills in areas like cooking, gardening, domestic DIY, administration, horse livery and business entrepreneurship.
Graduates continue to receive support in establishing homes, career and further education opportunities, social networking and finance management.
The lease on Benaiah ends in four years.