A CHARITY which supports children with special needs is urging the public to help it win £25,000.

The LS29 Special Needs Support Group, which is based in Ilkley, has been nominated to represent the Yorkshire region in a national campaign called Britain Has Spirit which is searching for the UK’s best volunteers.

LS29 has made it on to the list of finalists and is now relying on public votes to win £25,000.

Voting closes on September 20.

LS29 Support Group trustee Vicki Street said: “LS29 group are an entirely parent-led charity offering support, events for all the family and information.

“We run much needed activities in school holidays, after school and at weekends to reduce isolation, experience good, inclusive family experiences and develop skills, independence and friendships.

“If we were to win the prize of £25,000, we would use this towards making our local play areas more accessible for children with special needs, including equipment such as a wheelchair accessible trampoline and basket swing.

“We need votes to win the prize, and people can vote daily through the Britain has Spirit website https://www.britainhasspirit.com/group-vote/

“You can find out more information about the group and how to vote on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LS29specialneedsgroup/. Voting closes on September 20.”

The Britain Has Spirit campaign was started in response to research by Together Mutual Insurance, which highlighted a gap in community spirit across the nation.

Its findings revealed that nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents have never volunteered.

Chris McElligott, director at Together Mutual Insurance said: “Celebrating local heroes who give up their precious spare time to help others, is a great way to encourage others by highlighting the great work volunteers do up and down the country every day.

“We have 20 very deserving finalists and we are all very excited to see the public get involved and help us find the most deserving volunteer group and individual to receive their £25,000, which will go to a well-loved cause close to their hearts.”

The campaign, fronted by Gabby Logan, will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday, September 25, in London, where the two national winners will be announced.

She said: “We have twenty amazing finalists all showcasing that Britain does indeed have community spirit.

“The Great British public now have a very important job to do, all of the finalists are worthy winners, so it’s incredibly important that each of you vote for your favourite to award them the national prize of £25,000.

“Think of the difference £25,000 could make to a community project.”