AN ambitious campaign to raise £100,000 for a specially equipped boat to carry disabled people on pleasure cruises needs the support of the whole district if it is to be a success.

Skipton and Craven Action for Disability wants to replace the Marjorie Charlesworth narrow boat as it is falling below British Waterways standards.

Every day for the past 12 years, the Marjorie Charlesworth, named after the charity's founder, has taken people with disabilities and mobility problems on cruises along the canal from Skipton to Kildwick and Gargrave.

In 1990 the boat cost £33,000, which was raised by local people.

In total 8,500 people have enjoyed the unique experience on board the boat, which is crewed by trained volunteers.

But, repairs and maintenance mean that at least £35,000 needs spending on it and the SCAD committee feels that it would be better to launch Marjorie Charlesworth II.

Chairman Judith Carter said that for a small, local charity like SCAD, which relied entirely on donations to function, £100,000 was a huge amount to find.

SCAD has given itself 12 months to raise the cash and is calling for support from the local community.

If not successful, SCAD will have to reassess its options and might even be forced to give up the service. Mrs Carter said the existing boat could only be patched up so many times.

The new boat will be larger and able to carry more passengers. It will also have added benefits like an electric lift.

Mrs Carter said disabled people and those with mobility problems, young and old, got a lot of pleasure out of the cruises. She said the SCAD boat offered them something that they might not otherwise experience.

"It opens up a new world to them," she added.

The SCAD Cruising campaign will be launched at an open day tomorrow (Saturday) by Skipton Mayor Coun Andrew Rankine.

Between 10am and 1pm, visitors to St Andrew's Church Hall can find out more about the charity's services and can contribute their spare change to the appeal.

"You know what they say: 'Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves'," said Mrs Carter.

The open day will be officially opened by SCAD's president and leader of Craven District Council, Coun Ken Hart.

SCAD, which has offices and a charity shop on Newmarket Street, has been trying to enhance the lives of local disabled people for the last 20 years by offering advice and practical support.

As well as the boat trips, it offers a bus service, bowling club, photography classes, swimming classes, wheelchair hiking and much more.

The Crowtrees Inn, Tosside, has already lent its support to the SCAD Cruising campaign. A sponsored steak challenge, a children's sponsored swim and a bingo and raffle night has raised more than £1,000 for the appeal. A cheque will be handed over tomorrow.

SCAD's own fundraising events will include a fashion show, coffee mornings, a concert, and a summer ball.

Individuals or businesses who would like to help can contact Mrs Carter on 01756 701005.