A CHARITY which supports disadvantaged children in the region is looking to expand its work.

The Principle Trust has strengthened its team with several new appointments.

Sarah Barraclough, managing director of Cross Hills-based householder Skipton Properties, has joined the board of trustees.

Skipton Properties became a patron of the trust in 2022.

Sarah, 42, has been involved in the business for over two decades and became managing director in 2019.

She says: "Having seen the important work of The Principle Trust firsthand for the past two years I’m delighted to be joining the board of trustees, and am excited by the prospect of supporting the charity as it expands to meet the needs of some of the county’s most disadvantaged families."

The Principle Trust provides respite breaks for children who are disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse.

Since it was founded in 2011, it has raised over £1.7 million and provided free respite breaks to 5,000 children from across Yorkshire.

The trust owns and operates six holiday homes – two at White Cross Bay in the Lake District, and four at Marton Mere Holiday Park near Blackpool.

As part of its strengthening programme, the charity has seen businessman Andrew Davies – a trustee since 2018 – take on a new, senior role.

The 42-year-old will lead the trust alongside his father Mike, the charity's founder and chair.

Andrew says: "I’m looking forward to helping lead the trust as it continues to extend support to families.

"Our focus will be on reaching more families across the region through new and existing referring partners, acquiring more respite lodges and engaging more corporate patrons who want to make a difference to children experiencing long-term, life threatening or limiting illnesses or disabilities, mental health issues or social deprivation."

Mike Davies was awarded the MBE in 2017 in recognition of his services to business and disadvantaged children.

He says: "Over the past 13 years we have helped thousands of disadvantaged, disabled and poorly children to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories.

"Sarah and Andrew both bring considerable experience to our board, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to extend our services to families throughout Yorkshire."

The trust has also announced the appointments of events manager Georgina Simpson and respite home co-ordinator, Helen Greaves.

For more about the trust, visit theprincipletrust.co.uk