A DAY centre for disabled adults is seeking to raise £10,000 to enhance an old orchard.

Staff at North Yorkshire County Council-run Cauwood House, in Malton, want to build a footpath in the orchard, which was originally part of a nearby mansion.

Their proposals also incluide developing a sensory environmental garden and pond.

Centre manager John Lawson said: "The project will benefit many of our residents because it will enable them to enter the orchard by wheelchair, as well as helping those who find walking difficult."

Because it is local authority-run, and strapped for public funding, staff at Cauwood House are looking for help from outside sources.

The orchard helps the centre's users by producing apples, which are made into pies and sold to help buy extras for the centre.

"We would very much welcome the donation of materials to help build the footpath and garden," said Mr Lawson.

Fundraising events are also planned, including spring and summer fairs.

Day patients who use Cauwood House have recently completed a garden at Malton Hospital, as well as at Springwood.

The gardening is seen as a key part of the work at Cauwood House because it is an activity the disabled can get involved in.

Anyone able to help the Cauwood House project is asked to contact Mr Lawson or Margaret Richardson on (01653) 696588.