Volunteers have launched a £40,000 appeal to make their theatre accessible to people with physical disabilities.

The idea is the brainchild of Maralyn Adey, who helps to run speech, drama and movement classes for youngsters with special needs.

The popular sessions take place on Saturday mornings at the Priestley Centre for the Arts in Chapel Street, Little Germany, Bradford.

But it is almost impossible for anyone in a wheelchair to get into the building.

Now Mrs Adey, whose son Kristian has Down's Syndrome, is spearheading a bid to change that.

"We need to raise about £40,000 to fit it out properly with ramps and chairlifts. There's nothing at the moment," she said.

"We do have trained people who can lift people in wheelchairs but it's not very dignified and it's certainly not ideal.

"I want to expand the special needs classes but at the moment we can only take on people who are quite mobile and can manage with steps and things like that.

"It's difficult enough for Kristian because of his heart and lung condition but there are people who physically can't manage it, which is a real shame."

One of the youngsters with physical disabilities who Mrs Adey hopes will benefit if the fund hits its target is ten-year-old Lois Scott.

He attends a youth club at the Springdale Centre in Thorpe Edge and who would love to go to the Priestley Centre classes but is unable to because he uses a wheelchair.

So far, the fundraising drive to pay for the vital work has collected £500.

The latest event was being held tonight with Carol and John Godby running a charity karaoke night at the Priestley Centre. The Thornton-based couple have waived their usual fee for the evening.

"It starts at 8pm and there will be a 50p charge for each song - or £1 to get them off," said Mrs Adey.

The speech, drama and movement classes have been going for a year and the centre is always looking to recruit more children from the age of eight upwards.

The sessions are from 11am to 12.30pm and the cost is £3.50 per morning. For more details, ring (01274) 820666.

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