CHILDREN’S charity, the Principle Trust, says it is hopeful of being able to resume providing short holidays for underprivileged, disadvantaged and disabled children, from later this month.

The Skipton based charity, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, sends children and their families for much needed breaks to its five holiday homes in Blackpool, Windermere and Gisburn.

Mike Davies, the charity’s chairman, said it had been quite a year for the charity, but there was light at the end of the tunnel.

“14 months ago, we were in full flow with children and their families visiting our holiday homes for week-long holidays,” he said.

“Then suddenly it all came to a halt with the pandemic and lockdown. No holiday parks open meant no holidays. It’s been so hard for everyone and we know there is still some way to go before we are all back to ‘normal’ life again, but with the first signs of Spring appearing around us, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we can begin to be hopeful as we look towards the future.

“We are pleased to announce, all being equal, in line with the government’s Covid -19 response roadmap that we will be welcoming children and their families into our holiday homes once more from mid-May. A flurry of activity has already begun to get our homes ready for receiving our special guests once again.”

The charity works with local authorities, children’s social services, children’s centres, schools, and other charities to ensure that children and their families or carers, who are most in need, benefit from the holidays it has to offer.

After several months of not being able to fundraise, this summer it is planning a summer fete at Settle Victoria Hall on July 18 and on August 7, it is hoping supporters will take part in its Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge fundraiser.

The charity has joined forces with Settle Victoria Hall, selling donated and handcrafted goods online. To find out more, visit www.theprincipletrust.co.uk