A charity is launching a £100,000 fundraising appeal to replace its canal boat used to transport people with disabilities.

Skipton and Craven Action for Disability (SCAD) hopes to raise the money within 12 months to replace The Marjorie Charlesworth, which has carried 8,500 people since it was commissioned in 1992.

The organisation has chosen to buy a new boat, to be built by Silsden Boats, rather than overhaul the present vessel.

The boat runs between Skipton and Silsden and Skipton and Gargrave during weekdays between May and September.

Judith Carter, SCAD chief executive, said: "It was going to cost us £35,000 to bring the present boat up to modern standards and meet new regulations.

"That's an awful lot of money. We had to decide whether to do that, buy a new one, or call it a day. But it has given so much pleasure to so many people, so we decided it was worthwhile trying to raise the money and get a new vessel."

SCAD will launch the fundraising appeal at an open day at its shop and head office in Newmarket Street, Skipton, on Saturday.

The new boat is expected to cost about £71,000 and the rest of the cash will be spent on insurance, maintenance and extra training for the crew.

It will be wider, with a longer sun deck and a special wheelchair lift.

"It's an ambitious project. We have given ourselves 12 months to raise the money. We feel if we can't raise it in that time, we never will," said Mrs Carter.

She added that as well as fundraising events, SCAD planned to apply for grants from organisations like the Countryside Agency and to seek help from local businesses.

The organisation also hopes to increase the number of voluntary crew from 12 to 20 and they would need more training to meet new canal regulations.

The boat was named after the late Marjorie Charlesworth, who founded SCAD in 1981 - the Year of the Disabled.

As well as the boat, the charity has three minibuses for use by disabled people and a dial-a-ride service.

SCAD runs a charity shop and is supported by 62 volunteers.