A CHARITY which provides a vital lifeline for adults with learning and physical disabilities has been given a major funding boast to provide ' the jewel in the crown' for the families it supports.

Acorn Community Care, based in Norton, has secured £100,000 of funding to provide essential respite care, day activities and holiday breaks for disadvantaged people in the area.

The Wilfred Jackson Will Trust is to donate £76,000 with additional funding from the Acorn's patron Sir Richard Storey, and Malton and Norton Rotary Club.

It will enable Acorn to provide additional respite places which have been in increasing demand following the closure of the Wilf Ward Trust's centre in Pickering earlier in the year.

Wilfred Jackson was a well known local builder who had left part of his estate in a trust fund to help disadvantaged people in Malton and Norton.

Acorn volunteer Ruth Holliday said: "The Trustees of the Wilfred Jackson Will Trust, Rob Tulloch, Derek Fox, Pat Duggleby and John Dobson first became aware of us some months ago, and along with solicitor Emma Elwess, have been very supportive of us and recognised the absolute need for this essential service for this area," she added.

"Although we felt confident of a donation from the Wilfred Jackson Will Trust, we did not expect such an amount, however, such a large donation ensures that we can now offer twice as many respite care places, and expand our day activities programme almost immediately. "

Ruth said the donation would primarily pay for a huge barn conversion project at the charity's home, Whinflower Hall in Scarborough Road.

"The barn is presently disused, and will be converted into a training and educational centre," she added.

"This really will be a Jewel in the Crown for Ryedale, and so many more disadvantaged people from this area will benefit."

Ruth added: "When we heard earlier in the year that the other respite centre was closing its doors, we knew we needed to do something and we have done it. We really feel like we are winning now."

Service manager, Chris Holliday, said the charity had previously been running hand -to-mouth.

"We were really fortunate that the Rotary Club sought us out and helped point us in the right direction for funding as we have been so busy working that we didn't have time to market ourselves," he added.

"The generosity and kindness of local people has really been humbling and although we could have probably struggled on for years this will really enable us to make a difference."

Further fundraising was provided by the Ryedale's Got Talent competition held in Malton in July and sponsored by the Gazette & Herald.

"There really are so many people who have made this all possible, not least the Birdsall Estate who have provided us with such a wonderful place," Chris said.

"The relief from families when they have phoned and found that will be able to offer a space has been immense."

Rob Tulloch, one of the trustees of the Wilfred Jackson Will Trust, said this was the largest donation they had made.

"Acorn is exactly the sort of organisation WIlf would have wanted to be involved with and supported," he added.

"We are delighted to help them and wish everyone involved all the best."

Anyone who would like more information or is interested in joining 'The Friends of Acorn' should phone 01653 699922 or email acorn.community.care@unicombox.com