CELEBRITY and fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile took time out to officially launch a new boat for disabled people at Otley Sailing Club at the weekend.

Sir Jimmy chatted to more than 50 people at the Weston Water club before splashing champagne on the bow of the Access Dinghy 303 bought out of lottery money.

Stella Murdock, club commodore, said it had all gone very well - despite heavy rain.

As well as the dinghy the club was also able to buy a hoist which it demonstrated on Sunday.

Otley Sailing Club has been going since 1958 and originally met at Knotford Nook. It moved to Weston Water, behind Bridge End, in 1977 and since then has developed and improved its facilities.

It has a long history of working with disabled groups and is now taking part in the Sailing Free Project funded by the Leeds Safer Communities Millennium Awards Scheme.