The Nell Bank Centre in Ilkley has been selected as the charity to benefit from the Lord Mayor's Appeal 2010/11.

The new Lord Mayor of Bradford Coun Peter Hill will officially launch his charity appeal today (Tuesday 25 May).

Nell Bank offers day and residential outdoor education to a number of schools and other community groups across a wide age and ability range.  Activities on offer include orienteering, environmental activities, science, geography, team building and adventure education.  The centre enjoys one of Britain's top environmental locations looking across the River Wharfe to the famous Ilkley Moor and is surrounded by oak bluebell woodland and dairy farmland.

Visitors with limited mobility have easy access to the buildings and the 'Nellmobile' enables children with disabilities to enjoy woodland orienteering and habitat trails.  The Aiming High building allows children and young people with disabilities to stay residentially at Nell Bank.

The appeal is to provide a new outdoor play area, replacing the one that has been enjoyed by around 400,000 children during its 20 year life.  The new play area will be more inclusive for those with disabilities and have a roof for all weather use.

In September 2008 the centre won Best Environmental Projects in the National Lottery Awards.

Lord Mayor Coun Peter Hill said:  "I am thrilled to be supporting such a wonderful charity that helps so many children and adults throughout the district. 

"I have had the pleasure of serving as a trustee at Nell Bank for the past three years.  It is one of the most rewarding roles I underatke as a councillor and the one that continually puts a smile on my face.

"We are lucky to have a facility such as Nell Bank in our area and must ensure that it continues to receive the fantastic recognition and support that it truly deserves."

Bruce Fowler, Centre Manager at Nell Bank, said:  "We are thrilled with this announcement.  With the new Lord Mayor's support Bradford can have Britain's best outdoor centre."

The Lady Mayoress, Mrs Gill Hill will be supporting fundraising for a new performing structure in Haworth Central Park.  More than just a replacement of the bandstand this is to be a structure for music, drama and other performing arts.