A charity is appealing for help as it attempts to replace its ageing and well-used vehicle.

Chopsticks, in Springwell Lane, Northallerton, provides jobs for people with learning disabilities.

The charity also provides a gardening service for people over 60 or with a disability.

But the van that is used for that service is now in a bad way, leaving workers desperately trying to raise money for a replacement.

Chopsticks is asking people who open their gardens to visitors to help raise funds.

In a letter to people in the area, garden care supervisor at the charity, David Rowley said: "I would like to ask you if you would consider opening your garden for us at Chopsticks, with a view to raising funds towards replacing the van.

"Although we find it difficult to meet our day-to-day costs we would like to help the increasing number of elderly and disabled people in our community who need our service."

Anyone who can help or wants more information, should contact Mr Rowley on (01609) 777292.