A NEW sports programme is being launched in North Yorkshire for people with disabilities.

Ripon Activity Project (RAP) has been providing leisure activities for the disabled for the past seven years.

And now it has enlisted the support of a qualified disabled sports leader, Richard Turner, who has recently moved to the area.

He has 15 years of experience in the role and is keen to put his expertise to work for local people.

"Taking part in some form of exercise is not only good for people's health, but it also helps to build up self-confidence," said Richard.

"We hope that people with temporary disability, brought about by accidents or surgery, will also benefit."

The group aims to offer a wide range of sport and exercise opportunities which will largely be governed by the people who take part.

Rap organisers are currently trying to find out the level of demand, and want to hear from people interested in joining such a group.

To qualify people must be aged between 16 and 65 and live in the Ripon, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge or Masham areas.

Contact Joy Rayden at Ripon Council for Voluntary Service, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LF. Telephone (01765) 603631.