BOLTON Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) has been given a £10,000 boost to help disabled youngsters.

The funding has come from one of its patrons, UK Healthcare, and is to help ensure all young people, including those living with a disability, can enjoy BLGC’s provision equally and have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

BLGC provides young people with recreational opportunities, performing arts programmes and a variety of sporting activities.

This includes delivering intensive support, guidance and training to Bolton’s more vulnerable young people through one-to-one mentoring and group sessions.

Stephen Pugh, chief executive of UK Healthcare,said he was delighted to continue his company’s involvement with the BLGC, which has been operating as a safe haven for young people to spend their time for more than 120 years.

He said: “BLGC has been around for over a century and continues to break new ground with the services they provide to young people of all backgrounds and ability levels, in the Bolton area.

“Its inclusion scheme is so important to young people with complex living requirements, their families and their communities.

"We can’t wait to see how the inclusion scheme will benefit and we urge other businesses in the area to support this wonderful cause.”

Karen Edwards, chief executive of BLGC, hailed the donation from UK Healthcare.

“The funds will support our inclusion work, providing access for all young people,” she said.

“Raising funds to sustain our current work and enhance our provision is vital to ensure that more and more young people have a space in which to spend their free time in a fun filled, safe and inspiring centre.”