THE Bishop of Gloucester has become patron of an appeal by the Disabled Afloat Riverboats Trust to re-fit its boat.

The Upton-based charity was set up in 1992 and provides holidays and educational trips for people with disabilities on its boat Gloucestershire DART.

It needs to raise £120,000 to overhaul the boat, which was found last year to have dry rot.

The money will be used to improve the design of the beds, make access to the boat easier and improve ventilation.

So far, about £50,000 has been raised for the appeal. To donate, contact 07778 842358.