MORE than 50 families in the Ilkley area with disabled and special needs children are getting some respite time this summer thanks to a new holiday club from local charity the LS29 Special Needs Support Group.

LS29 Time Holiday Club is running at Little Lane Children’s Centre in Ilkley on Thursdays and Fridays throughout August, offering an activity programme of dance classes, drumming, trips, animal therapy, sports and a pop up sensory room.

Skilled staff and volunteers are on hand to support, meaning that families can take a break, although children are also welcome to come with a regular carer or continuing care nurse.

The charity has been fundraising over the last year to launch the club.

LS29 trustee and holiday club organiser Jenny Johnson said: “We always intended the club to be accessible to children with more complex additional needs, and as three quarters of our young people this summer attend special schools in term time, we are confident we have done that.

“These young people often have to travel some distance to special schools in Skipton, Leeds and Bradford, so it’s wonderful that they have somewhere to get together with local friends.

“We’re also providing an alternative for any child in a local school who struggles with busy, mainstream holiday activities.”

The club is heavily subsidised by grants from the National Lottery, Sovereign Healthcare, The True Colours Trust, The Bailey Thomas Fund and others.

Jenny Johnson added: “We are grateful to all the funders who have helped us get up and running, our local supporters, and the Children’s Centre for accommodating the club.”