A charity is appealing for help in setting up a Saturday club for disabled children, to 'give mum a break'.

Airedale and Bradford Crossroads says there is a serious need for a Saturday playscheme in the district.

The social club would give the families of disabled youngsters some free time to spend together, and help the disabled individuals by stretching their social skills.

Crossroads, a charity providing home care to disabled people, says it can run the service but it needs cash.

The national charity was set up in the 1970s by ATV, which made the Crossroads soap. It donated £10,000 to get the charity off the ground after working with disabled people to make the character of Sandy Richardson, paralysed in a car accident, more realistic.

Janet Hobson, of Crossroads, said they were actively seeking donations, from charities or private enterprise.

"It would be nice if someone reading this thought it was a really good idea, and came up with some sponsorship," Mrs Hobson said. "We know there is a need for this Saturday club - we have established that, and we know we can run it - but our problem is funding, and finding suitable premises.

"We are particularly keen on getting donations from private enterprise, because it can take months and months for funding applications to come through."

The charity believes £10,000 would be enough to establish a pilot scheme, which would be run by trained and experienced staff.

Crossroads already has the expertise from helping Scope to run a disabled children's summer school last year. Those attending would be expected to pay a small fee for what would be an enhanced service.

If you can help or make a donation, contact Crossroads on 736849. They would like to hear of any suggestions for where a children's Saturday club could be held - the premises need to be on the ground floor and have good disabled access.

email: sarah.walsh @bradford.newsquest.co.uk