SKIPTON Extended Learning for All (SELFA) has received £2,850 to fund a weekly club for children on the autistic spectrum living in Skipton and Craven.

The donation was provided by the Santander Foundation which offers grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The grant will enable SELFA to continue to run its popular AUsome Club which helps autistic children and offers support to their families.

Each week the group of eight children tries new activities such as eating out, bowling, golf and boat trips, in a safe environment to help them build their confidence and improve their ability to interact and engage with the wider world. The club also provides an opportunity for the children to meet new people, make friends and learn new social skills, as well as offering important respite to their families.

Emma Pears, charity co-ordinator at SELFA, said: “We are delighted to have received this donation from the Santander Foundation. The funding will ensure we can continue to run the AUsome club for the children who need it most in the local area.”

Teresa Walsh, branch manager at Santander’s Skipton branch, said: “The Santander Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK. Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting SELFA and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”