FORMER Tory leader William Hague is giving his support to an appeal to extend the work of a charity which helps people with learning difficulties.

Chopsticks, in Northallerton, provides work activities and training - and is hoping to move into larger premises.

Mr Hague, MP for Richmondshire, visited the charity after agreeing to become patron of the appeal.

The charity, which also provides a garden care service for elderly people, plans to raise £850,000 in the next two years to buy land and build premises in the town.

Its aim is to double its activities and provide more services for the local community.

Mr Hague said: "Chopsticks provides both a massive sense of enjoyment and the tremendous value of a real work ethic to many people with learning disabilities.

"It is vital that new premises are found so that the charity can continue and develop its work in the community."

The charity provides work activities and training for 30 people and is being given assistance by local businesses, including North Yorkshire Timber and Thirsk-based Severfield-Reeve Projects, the design and build subsidiary of Severfield-Rowen.

Severfield-Reeve Projects managing director, Lindsay Ross, said: "As well as being a charity which provides valuable services to the community, it is a sound business enterprise making useful products from waste timber and supporting local retailers."

* For further details visit the website at www.Chopsticksappeal.co.uk