GOVERNMENT minister for the disabled Maria Eagle was at Skipton Canal Basin for the naming ceremony of a new barge, purchased by the Skipton and Craven Action for Disability.

The boat, called Endeavour, is a replacement for the charity's old boat which sailed Skipton's waterways for 13 years.

SCAD set about raising £70,000 for the boat last July.

Chief executive Judith Carter said that they came up with the name after they were refused lottery funding.

She said: "We were so deflated. The amount of money we needed to raise seemed beyond us but we picked ourselves up and the boat name epitomises that."

The minister was greeted at the canalside by Ben, Megan and Cameron Herbert, who presented her with a posy.

Their mother, Barbara, explained: "Ben has been in theatre 11 times over the last 18 months with severe hip problems so we didn't get to have a holiday. I asked SCAD if we could use their old barge and they took us out for a day.

"We had four skippers who had fish and chips waiting for us. We had a super day. The charity is hoping to involve more families so that's why we were invited."

The boat can take up to 12 passengers and has a wheelchair lift, ramp and clamps, a kitchen unit to make food and drinks, a specially adapted toilet, bed and PA system. It will run from April to October.

Before the minister officially unveiled a plaque inside the barge, an opening speech was given by chairman of Craven District Council, Stephen Place. The minister then spoke and emptied a bottle of champagne over the boat.

She told the Herald: "It has been a good local effort and it symbolises what we are trying to do to enable disabled people to take part in aspects of life that we take for granted."

Nearly 200 people, including mayor Paul English, were invited to the ceremony.