The business community has come to the rescue of a charity desperate for cash to give boat trips to disabled youngsters.

Skipton and Craven Action for Disability (SCAD) thought its dreams of a new boat for the disabled were destined to fail when a £100,000 lottery application was refused.

But the trustees stuck to their plans and Barclays Bank in Skipton stepped in to help out.

Volunteers from the local branch found out about the boat appeal when they raised £500 for the charity's shop and helped out in the store.

They told SCAD about the bank's regional Community Investment Programme, which resulted in an application for £25,000.

The bid was successful on the proviso that the lottery cash was granted, but when that fell through, SCAD chairman Judith Carter went back to Barclays to plead the charity's case and Barclays found in the group's favour. Mrs Carter said: "It is marvellous, this money will make a huge difference."

Janette Blythe, Barclays Community Manager for Yorkshire, added: "At Barclays we are committed to communities and we are delighted to support SCAD.

"This is a great opportunity for us to help make a real and lasting difference to the local community."

The cash from Barclays will be added to £11,000 raised locally and an expected £20,000 from the sale of the old boat.

SCAD members hope the rest of the money can be found to buy a new boat by June and have it on the water by July.

The organisation is also awaiting the decision of a application for funding from Skipton Building Society.

Over the years, SCAD's 13-year-old boat has taken thousands of disabled people on pleasure trips along the canal.

Anyone who would like to help the charity in its quest to buy the new boat can call the SCAD office on (01756) 701005.