A CHARITY is aiming to improve the confidence of disabled people in North Yorkshire.

Wetwheels gives people with disabilities the chance to enjoy activities in the sea using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats, and the Yorkshire branch has been set up by Peter Richardson.

Mr Richardson, who owned a car dealership in York for more than 25 years, said the new branch included the first of the charity’s boats which is not based in the south. He said those taking part in the events were “active participants, rather than simply passengers, with the opportunity to steer the vessel and learn seamanship, alongside their peers, friends and families”.

The organisation was founded by disabled yachtsman, Geoff Holt MBE, its first boat, Wetwheels Solent is based in Portsmouth, and made its debut in 2011. Boats followed in Jersey in 2013, and Hamble in May last year, and in five years thousands of disabled people have been taken on voyages by the organisation.

Mr Richardson said: “Wetwheels Yorkshire will be a long term asset to the people of Yorkshire and I am proud that we are going to be the first of these amazing boats located away from the South coast.

“Wetwheels Yorkshire is scheduled to operate from the port of Whitby from 2018 - agreement has been reached with Whitby Harbour Masters and Scarborough Borough Council. We will not only operate in Whitby but will follow the example of other Wetwheels Operators and travel to ports up and down the North East coast. The experience is truly inclusive helping to improve aspirations and increase confidence.” To find out more about the charity, or if you are a business which could sponsor the boat, go to wetwheelsfoundation.org