Keighley Sea Cadets and the Multiple Sclerosis Support Society have been chosen as the charities for this year's town Mayor.

Making his announcement Cllr Tony Wright said: "These groups need help because they are smaller charities. It is national groups or those that touch people's hearts that get all the plaudits."

He decided to choose the Sea Cadets following a visit as deputy mayor earlier this year.

Cllr Wright added: "They do get help nationally but for local stuff they are reliant on donations and parental support. It struck me that it is boys and girls from right across the community.

"You expect them to be white middle class boys but it is from across the community. They have a great deal of determination. And it is a low profile group who don't often get help."

The Mayor has been aware of the work of the MS Support Society for a number of years.

He added: "I have come to know people who have this debilitating disease. The profile of the groups like this needs raising and that is what I hope to do."

The Keighley Sea Cadet group, which offers sports and outdoor activities to children aged 10-18, has about 45 members. It is based at Marley Street, in Keighley.

President John Briggs said: "It is fantastic. We have to fight for every penny we get so it is just wonderful.

"There is always something to do. Either the children want to go sailing or we need to do work on the building."

A spokesman for the MS Society said: "On behalf of the branch of the society, I thank the Mayor for his kind thoughts. We would like to wish him every success and offer our help with the appeal."

A number of events are already being planned by the council to help the appeal.

They include a series of walks, starting on August 27, from Keighley to Skipton along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and a musical concert in October.

For more details about the walks contact Debbie Spink in the town council office on 01535 618252.

Last year, Cllr Allan Rhodes raised about £3,900 for the Richardson Suite, at Airedale Hospital, and St John's Ambulance.