A CHARITY yacht in need of repair will return to the sea after Bolton firm Aptus Utilities and Cumbrian organsation PPM teamed up to help with funding.

The Solway Adventurer, berthed at Maryport Marina in Cumbria, is available for use by youth groups, the elderly and children with disabilities.

The 38ft Bavaria yacht turns 10 this year, but with the anniversary came the need for vital upgrades if it was to continue its valuable work for the charity Solway Adventure Sailing Club.

PPM's managing director, Gordon McGregor invited multi utility installation firm Aptus Utilities to co-sponsor the project. Both firms attended the relaunch.

Aptus Utilities operations director Andrew Reay said: “We are pleased to be involved with PPM in sponsoring the Solway Adventurer.

“Aptus Utilities has a strong presence in Cumbria and we have a number of people living and working for us here so it's great to give a little back to the community and it supports our commitments under our social and corporate responsibilities.

“Aptus Utilities is one of the fastest growing ICPs (Independent Connection Providers) in the UK supplying housing and commercial developers from the Midlands up to southern Scotland with all their multi utility and street lighting needs.”

Aptus and PPM will sponsor the yacht for five years ensuring that many more people get to enjoy sailing along the beautiful Cumbrian coastline.

Aptus Utilities Ltd, based at Wingates Business Park in Westhoughton, installs street lighting, gas, electricity, and water on residential, industrial and commercial developments.

The company also has depots in Horwich, Carlisle and Lillyhall.

PPM Operations Manager Ged Doran founded the The Solway Adventure Sailing Club charity in 2004 after raising £100,000 funds, including securing a National Lottery grant to finance the yacht.