The Exeter Chiefs Foundation has given Exe Sailing Club £5k towards its 'Sailability' project.

The project uses specially adapted boats to provide sailing experiences for disabled youngsters, young carers and adults.

It has been running for more than 16 years at the Exmouth-based sailing club, and has over 50 volunteers.

Fundraising Member at Exe Sailing Club Gordon Betteridge said: "The funds from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation are simply invaluable to us.

"Our Sailability Project offers the opportunity from people locally to experience being out on the Exe Estuary waters in one of our fully-equipped and adapted boats.

"For some of these people, it's a real life-changing experience and something we as a charity really value."

One of the boats in action (Nigel Bovey/ Exeter Chiefs Foundation)

Exeter Chiefs Foundation Trustee Michael Caines MBE said: "When the application came into us as trustees, it was clear straight away that any funds we could give could make a real difference to the Sailability Project.

"Having come out now and seen first hand the project in operation, it's fantastic to see the impact it can have on so many youngsters.

"We're delighted that we have been able to help such a worthy, local cause and we wish the Sailability Project every success moving forward."

Click here to find out more about the Sailability Project.