A PUBLIC fundraising appeal to raise half a million pounds to create a new state of the art school facility at the YMCA Lakeside has been launched. 

The 'Changing Young Lives' event took place at the Newby Bridge site last Wednesday and guests included the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alistair Wannop, local businesspeople and children from Dowdales School, Dalton-in-Furness, and Greengate Junior School, Barrow.

Brian Barden, chairman of YMCA Lakeside sub-committee, welcomed attendees and all were invited to tour the site.

President of YMCA Fylde Coast Ian Paterson and chief executive John Cronin declared the fundraising appeal formally launched by the raising a flag and cutting the cutting of a ribbon.

For more information on how you can help support the YMCA Lakeside School Facility appeal visit www.supportlakeside.org.uk