Otley sailing club has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services.

This is the highest award presented by the Queen to voluntary groups.

The award is for the club’s voluntary work with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability scheme to make sailing accessible to all. Young people and adults from Bradford, Otley, Ilkley, Skipton and Leeds with special needs are encouraged to sail independently in specially-designed boats.

This would not be possible without volunteers. Schools also take part in regular Sailability sessions during term times.

The volunteers give many people with special needs an opportunity to try sailing and ‘sail free’ independently, giving them a sense of achievement and freedom that they might not otherwise be able to experience The award will be presented on behalf of the Queen by Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, on April 25.