A COMMUNITY group helping people with disabilities enjoy days out on the water has won a funding boost.

Cotswold Boatmobility, based on the Cotswold canals in Stonehouse, has been awarded up to £1,000 from the Aviva Community Fund to help expand the project.

More than 1,300 people voted for the project, which will use the cash to buy safety equipment including lifejackets and paddles to enable children to use the Katakanus.

In the health, disability and well-being category of the Aviva funding contest, Cotswold Boatmobility was one of 49 winners out of 95 organisations who applied, with 1,339 votes.

Yvonne Hobbs, from Cotswold Boatmobility, said: “The demand for our services is growing.

“We have already taken more than 200 people aged eight to 89 of all abilities both mental and physical, and with two fully equipped Katakanus, we will be able to take out up to eight participants at a time which makes for a more enjoyable social experience for all.

“We are also well on the way to having our own Wheelyboat, which is wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible.

“It has a quiet electric engine which can be operated from a wheelchair, and there are seats for others with mobility issues and friends and family. The Aviva funding will help with safety equipment for this boat too.”

Cotswold Boatmobility is an independent community group aiming to make boating accessible to all on the Cotswold Canals which are being re-opened through Stroud.

It helps people who may have mobility or learning disability issues, the elderly, and the disadvantaged to get on the water.

Visit www.cotswoldboatmobility.org.uk/ for more information.