MORE than 20 businesses have so far pledged to raise at least £2,500 for Warrington Disability Partnership as the charity celebrates its 25th birthday.

Sankey Bridges-based WDP is aiming to raise £150,000 throughout 2016 as part of its 25th Anniversary Legacy Appeal, which will be used to support jobs for young disabled people in the town.

Businesses who have so far signed up to chip £2,500 in gathered at the Beaufort Street base last week.

They included the Today Team which will be walking over hot coals to raise money, the Royal Mail which is holding weekly raffles with prizes including a day’s leave and Barclays, which will hold a 25k sponsored run for WDP.

Dave Thompson, cofounder and chief executive of WDP, said: “Young disabled people aged 18-24 are twice as likely to be not in education, employment or training as non-disabled young people.

“Members of our board of trustees agreed that we are perfectly placed to do something as the majority of our staff have a wealth of experience of living with a disability and are positive role models.”

WDP’s 5k Walk in the Park takes place this weekend, with a scenic route through Sankey Valley Park which begins and ends at the charity’s base.

Registration is £5 – for more information call 240064.