New Lord Mayor of York Councillor David Horton launched the Lord Mayor's annual charity appeal today (Wednesday, June 12) by revealing the names of the two York charities he has agreed to back during his year-long term of office.

Every year the Lord Mayor of York and Sheriff of York help to raise thousands of pounds for local charities with a variety of fund-raising events.

And today, at a photocall in front of the Mansion House, Lord Mayor Councillor Horton revealed that they will be backing SNAPPY and Shopmobility York with some concerted fundraising over the next 12 months.

Lord Mayor Councillor David Horton said today, "I look forward to raising as much money as possible for these very worthy charities. The two services provided are essential to those disabled people in the city both young and elderly."

The two York charities have been chosen because they will directly benefit York people, one of the main considerations for the Lord Mayor in choosing his or her charities.

Although the figures are yet to be finalised around £18,000 was raised in the last 12 months by immediate past Lord Mayor Councillor Irene Waudby and immediate past Sheriff Councillor Janet Greenwood. The money will be shared between Age Concern York and the St Leonard's Hospice.

This year's charities are delighted at being chosen by the new civic party. Diana Dickson of Shopmobility said, "The trustees of the charity are delighted that the Lord Mayor has chosen Shopmobility York, especially as it is a very local charity that offers a free service to whoever wishes to use it, whether they be local residents or visitors to the city."

The two main events for the new civic year are the Sheriff's Assize of Ale on Saturday, August 10 and the Lord Mayor's Valentine Ball on Saturday, February 15 next year.

Any person wishing to attend either event can find out more by contacting council civic secretary Nick Wharton on 551011. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Lord Mayor's and Sheriff's Charity Fund should make cheques payable to 'Lord Mayor of York's Charities' and send to Civic Administrator, Electoral and Civic Services, Guildhall, York. YO1 9QN

END Further information: Nick Wharton, civic secretary Telephone: 01904 551011

Shopmobility York - Shopmobility York is a local independent charity that lends motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs free of charge to people with mobility problems, enabling them to shop in the city centre of York and enjoy the other facilities and attractions that the city has to offer. Shopmobility's overriding aim is to promote social inclusion by enabling disabled people to get around the city independently. Up to June 2002, the scheme has been used by over 1860 people and this number increases daily. The people using the service are called members and are either full or temporary members. Full members are in the main local residents of York and they number about 900 at present. Temporary members tend to be visitors to the city. The scheme is used by people of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly, whose disabilities may be minor or very severe, temporary or permanent. Although Shopmobility York employs three part-time staff, the scheme relies on the valuable help of volunteers, many of whom are also users of the service. Shopmobility offers a free service to all who need it and as a charity it depends substantially on fundraising and voluntary donations to secure its future.

SNAPPY - Snappy is a registered Charity established in June 1985. Its aims are to maximise personal development and provide good quality play, recreational and pre vocational opportunities for children and young People with special needs. It organises and manage play and activity schemes in all school holidays and other times. SNAPPY says, "We identify areas where provision is less adequate and develop or promote an appropriate response. We liase and negotiate contracts with statutory and voluntary bodies. We also offer a resource of information and training to parents, carers and other organisations. Snappy is funded twenty per cent of the annual running cost from the City of York. The rest is found through grant making bodies and local fundraising. Snappy is managed by a voluntary management committee and has one full time project manager and one part time volunteer co-ordinator. As a voluntary organisation we depend heavily upon the core of volunteers recruited from local universities, colleges and also the unemployed sector. Our reputation is excellent and our profile is high. The local services with whom we liaise regard our provisions as of the highest quality."