THE Warrington Disability Partnership has been announced as the Warrington Guardian's Charity of the Year for 2005.

Chairman of the partnership Dave Thompson MBE, and business and promotions manager Brunhilde Corbishley met the managing director of the Warrington Guardian Eleanor Underhill, to announce the

collaboration this week.

Dave Thompson said: "We are ecstatic with this news and hope this will help us reach our fundraising targets."

The disability partnership is looking to replace the two caravan holiday homes they provide in Pensarn, North Wales.

The caravans are used for holidays for disabled people and their families in Warrington, yet after 14 years of wear and tear they are in desperate need of replacement.

Mr Thompson said: "Some of these families have never been away because it is so hard to find accessible

holiday accommodation at a reasonable price."

The charity had previously fitted a wooden ramp and decking which connected the two caravans, with one for living quarters and one for sleeping, making them fully accessible.

Under new legislation however local authority Clwyd Council has announced that all ramps and verandas must be made of metal for fire and safety reasons.

Due to the costs involved the partnership decided to replace the caravans with a new stationary home

designed specifically with disabled people in mind.

In order to do this and buy all the necessary equipment the charity needs to raise approximately £35,000,

a cause that the Warrington Guardian is happy to support.

Mrs Underhill said: "We are delighted to join forces with the Warrington Disability Partnership and are looking forward to helping them with their fundraising efforts.

"We hope we can bring them the same success as last year's Warrington Guardian Charity of the Year, the Warrington Deaf Centre."

Warrington Disability Partnership provides a range of services to disabled people across Warrington,

including free wheelchair loan, the Shopmobility scheme, and equipment, training and comprehensive advice.