A charity which is a lifeline for dozens of older people and their families in Bath has launched a £100,000 appeal.

City MP Don Foster has helped Bridge Care to launch the appeal to mark its 20th anniversary.

The Bathwick-based charity provides a combination of respite, nursing, residential and day care and has cared for 2,500 people in the past two decades.

Mr Foster visited the home in St John's Road to meet some of the residents, volunteers and staff and to hear more about the work of the charity.

The charity aims to maintain an equal number of privately and social services funded clients. It says funding from social services falls short of the real cost of care, meaning the charity needs to raise £100,000 this year to maintain the balance.

Trustee Alan Morley said: "We're using the 20th anniversary of Bridgemead as an opportunity to highlight the important work of the charity to those who may not have heard of us, and we're really hoping that local people will support us in 2012.

"Our work isn't just about caring for the elderly – it's also very much about offering support to carers and families. All too often those looking after elderly relatives are put under huge amounts of pressure. We help to relieve this by providing respite and day care, providing those all-important short breaks for carers."

Bridge Care will be holding a series of events throughout the year to mark the anniversary including a birthday party for residents, a reception at the Mayor's Parlour and a thanksgiving service at Widcombe Baptist Church.

Mr Foster said: "The charity's work in providing care for the elderly and support for their families and carers over the past two decades is a shining example to other organisations, and I wish them every success in their fundraising this year."

People can donate up to £10 via your mobile phone by texting the code COMM20 and the amount they would like to donate (eg COMM20 £10) to 70070.

Alternatively they can donate online at www.just giving.com/bridgecare.