THE retiring president of the Rotary Club of Ilkley, Mr John Metcalfe, handed over a cheque for more than £7,000 to The Principle Trust, at his handover meeting.

The Principle Trust, is a Skipton based charity, set up by Mike Davies in 2010, who wanted to help disadvantaged children. The money handed over by Mr Metcalfe will enable the purchase of an addition holiday home to give holiday to disadvantaged children.

Cherry Bugler, development manager at The Principle Trust said: "Our aim is to improve the quality of life for young children and their families who are disadvantaged socially, physically, emotionally or as a result of extreme poverty, particularly those with difficulties such as long-term illness, violence, depression, disability or overcrowded and inadequate housing.

"We are unique in that we provide completely hassle free access to three holiday homes at Marton Mere near Blackpool.

"The homes are located on the Haven Holiday Park, a superb family friendly park where the families that we help can enjoy carefree fun and excitement.

"By forging strong links with our partners, who refer the children and families to us, we aim to seek out those children who have not yet experienced a family holiday and who will truly benefit from a respite break."

The charity Barnardo's reports there are over 3.5 million living in poverty in the UK and 1.6 million of these children are living in extreme poverty.

Studies show that a holiday has a profoundly positive effect on the wellness of a family. For families to function effectively, the emotional health and well-being of those responsible for the care of the children is paramount. The child’s attachments and experiences in infancy play a pivotal role in determining their emotional health and well-being in future life, and experts suggest that their pathway is determined by as young as three-years old.

Cherry added: "This is where the Principle Trust seeks to help. We receive many humbling letters from the families telling us of the fantastic times that they have. In some cases they have gone to length to tell us how the holiday has had a tremendous impact on the family, bringing them together again.

"Thank you to the Rotary Club of Ilkley for choosing The Principle Trust as the nominated charity. This considerable and very generous boost to our funding will enable us to purchase our fourth home, much quicker than anticipated, and to continue to work alongside our partners in raising awareness, developing the Trust and aiding more and more children and families to benefit."

The Principle Trust is managed by volunteers and is a non-profit making organisation. It is actively seeking sustainable, long-term support from donors, sponsors and volunteers. If you can help contact: info@theprincipletrust.org for more details or visit: theprincipletrust.org