MONEY continues to pour into an appeal to help an arson-hit junior sports and social club in Otley.

Despite money being traditionally tight at this time of year, generous Wharfedale Observer readers have so far helped to raise almost £800 for the stricken Weston Lane club which, over the last 40 years, has provided hundreds of youngsters with sports facilities.

And Otley Town Council has offered to stand the club security on a loan to cover any initial expense. The council has also said the club can go back to discuss a grant once it knows what its future plans are.

Coun Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Wharfedale) has given the club £1,000 from his ward-based initiative money.

The club suffered an arson attack in late November, leaving their clubhouse in Meagill Rise gutted and unusable and all their sports equipment and club strip destroyed in the blaze. Their Walk On Appeal hopes to raise money to secure the club's future, possibly by building a new clubhouse.

An appeal for local businesses to help the stricken club has already gone out, with J R Sports in Orchard Gate and Colman Tyres, also of Otley, offering help.

l ANYONE wishing to support the appeal can drop off cheques, made payable to Walk On Appeal, to the Editorial Department, Wharfedale Observer, 9 Orchard Gate, Otley LS21 3NX.

l More details on the appeal from Chris Lawson on (01943) 462585.