by Emma Grove

A sailing club's bid to become the first in the country to own a specialised boat has had a £3,000 boost, thanks to a local business.

Swale Heating donated the money towards the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club's Even Keel project.

In March, members launched an appeal to buy an Artemis20.

The boat is designed to enable disabled people to sail easily and the club, based in Marine Parade, Sheerness, believes it will benefit the whole community.

Even Keel is a charity which aims to make sailing available to everyone, whatever their age or ability and as well as getting people out on the boat, they also want to raise the profile of the club and get more people involved in the sport.

It will cost £15,000 to buy the boat and running costs are £12,000 a year.

The charity is aiming to run the project for three years but it is hoped it will become permanent.

Southern Water is a sponsor and has already pledged £10,000 to kick-start the bid.

Now Swale Heating, based on the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne, has boosted the bid further.

The company's client and resident liaison manager Matt Hobbs presented a £3,000 cheque to Even Keel founder David Rutter at the club on Friday.

Mr Rutter said: "This is great news. It's a huge amount of money and it will help the community and the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club's project."

Mr Hobbs said: "The Even Keel project is a fantastic cause and we are 100% behind what it stands for.

"Along with our client AmicusHorizon, we decided it would be a great idea to support the charity and we are delighted the money will be used to give people the opportunity to live their dream by getting out on the water and experiencing the thrill of sailing."

• To pledge money, contact James Thatcher on 01795 417109 or email jamesthatcher@swale.gov.uk