CAMPAIGNERS calling for a vital day centre for elderly people to be kept open have described it's imminent closure as 'the end of an era'.

Protesters met outside Glasgow's city chambers this morning to show their support for the Gatehouse centre in Anniesland, which is due to close its doors next week after 25 years.

The centre, run by the Glasgow Old People's Welfare Association (GOPWA) acts as a lifeline for many elderly people in the area who would be isolated and lonely without it.

The centre offers day classes, trips and help for up to 80 pensioners every week.

As previously reported by the Evening Times, GOPWA boss Sheena Glass said she was devastated at having to close the facility, along with another of her centres, but she had been left with no choice due to council funding cuts.

Evelyn MacDonald, a 67-year-old from Kelvinbridge said the Gatehouse saved her dad's life when her mum died.

Her dad Robert was a regular visitor for more than eight years, until he passed away.

She still feels passionately about the work the staff do for all the elderly clients.

She said: "It will be the end of an era of it closes.

"If my dad were here now he would be so sad to see it closing.

"He absolutely loved coming, he even went on holiday with them and everything. It helped him so much."

Fiona Gardner, minister at Temple Anniesland church was another of those who joined the protest.

She said she was concerned about the "devastating impact" the centre's closure would have on many members of her congregation.

She said: "The Gatehouse staff are wonderful, they all go the extra mile for all the clients.

"This will have a huge impact on the area. My concern is for the clients and their families. There are 80 people who go there every week, who will be on their own or have nowhere to go."