AN appeal is under way to help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities in North Yorkshire - and boost the local economy.

Charity Chopsticks, in Northallerton, is hoping to raise £850,000 to buy premises on the outskirts of the town, from which it would be able to double its activities.

The charity, started in 1995 by a small group at Northallerton's Mencap centre, provides work activities and training for 30 people.

Chopsticks deals with at least five tonnes of scrap timber every week, which it cuts, bags, bales and delivers to retailers.

Chopsticks chairman, Keith Helsby said: "Our members are providing a valuable service by recycling scrap timber collected from local businesses.

"Demand for our firewood is so great that, with bigger premises, we could substantially increase our output, benefiting the local community and the environment.

"Many commercial organisations are interested in taking our firewood, but they require substantial and guaranteed quantities. Unfortunately, our existing premises just cannot provide increased production.

"We therefore need larger premises with space for more efficient production facilities. These will help members earn more from their activities to support our services to the community long term."

Chopsticks, which has boosted production by investing in more sophisticated machinery, also restores and sells wooden pallets, recycles nails for scrap metal and provides a low-cost gardening service for elderly and disabled people in the area.

Services are provided under community care agreements with North Yorkshire's social services department. Work placements are also offered to local unemployed people under the Government's New Deal Scheme.

Lindsay Ross, managing director of Severfield-Reeve Projects, at Thirsk, which is helping to launch the appeal, said: "Chopsticks provides real work and stimulates both mental and physical activities for its members. We see it as a very worthwhile charity and are pleased to offer practical assistance."

Several fundraising events are planned, including an open day.

Help can be given to Chopsticks by making a donation, sponsoring part of the new building or an item of machinery, or organising fund-raising events on the charity's behalf.