Boost to keep Ethel buoyant Â

The Ethel Trust Community Barge received the £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire  as part of its Community Champions fund, which sees two regional worthy causes awarded up to £1,000 each month.

David Tuck, who made the application on behalf of the charity, based in Sheffield, said: 'We provide free boating trips along the canals and rivers of South Yorkshire for the benefit of community groups and organisations and cater for all ages and abilities.

'Ethel is a fully accessible purpose-built barge, she is 25-years-old and has been well used.

'As with any waterborne vessel it is vital the maintenance is kept up-to-date to ensure we can continue to offer our services safely. This donation will go towards improving our current sanitary facilities. We are very grateful as their donation will cover the majority of the costs.

Persimmon has recently launched a new development in Sheffield, which is why it supported the charity.