MEMBERS of a sailing club have thanked local fundraisers after receiving a donation for a dinghy that will allow young people with disabilities to access the water.

Scaling Dam Sailing Club, based on Scaling Dam reservoir, on the A171, was presented with a cheque for £6558 to buy an Access dinghy for use during the club’s Sailability project.

The cheque was a joint donation from Redcar, Guisborough, Great Ayton, Stokesley and Saltburn Rotary Clubs.

Chris Mayes, a member of Stokesley Rotary Club, said: “Many of the Rotary members volunteer at Scaling Dam Sailing Club to actively support the Sailability project.

“You can see that the youngsters get a lot out of sailing and it’s the smiles on their faces that light the place up.

“While volunteering it was recognised that the club would benefit from a second Access dinghy to give more people with disabilities the opportunity to get out on the water.”

John Tate, Royal Yachting Association Sailability co-ordinator, said: “We are very grateful to the Rotary Club for their generosity.

“We are working regularly with special needs groups in the area including Kirkleatham School, Botton Village and LEAPS (Lead to Encourage Activities and Participation in Sport) in County Durham. With the support and enthusiasm of the Scaling Dam Sailing Club members we hope to enable many more disabled people to participate in sailing.”

For more information about Sailability sessions at Scaling Dam visit the club website at www.scalingdam.org or the RYA website at www.rya.org.uk/sailability