A SPORTS club for the disabled is on its marks to cycle, run and play its way to Blackpool's German twin town.

The 30-strong Blackpool Bears this week launched an appeal for funds not only for the Bottrop trip but also to buy sports wheelchairs and send contestants to national tournaments.

The resort's Jellies nightclub immediately got the appeal off to a flying start with a £1,000 donation.

And on July 13, the Bears' wheelchair-whizz chairman Keith Livesey, with Blackpool councillor Philip Dunne and 15 members of the council's leisure staff, will add to the coffers by taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool cycle race.

Blackpool Council will consider a £2,500 donation and senior leisure services officer John Blackledge said: "Since the Bears were launched about 18 months ago there's been an explosion in sports for the disabled.

"The council's support is a reflection of our commitment to work in partnership with the community to build a better future." The club operates on Saturdays from 11.30am to 1.30pm at the sports centre and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the athletics track.

Mr Livesey, northern wheelchair tennis champion, said: "We want to raise enough money to send a party to Bottrop in September to show our German colleagues what can be done in football, basketball and other sports.

"We also hope it will be the start of an exchange of disabled sportspeople."

Anyone wanting to sponsor or donate should contact club secretary Yvonne Daly on 396687, or Mr Livesey on 821866.

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