A plea for help to solve a transport problem which is holding back its progress is being made by a Harrogate charity.

Paperworks, which provides work experience for people with learning difficulties through offering commercial-standard print finishing services, says a lack of transport is preventing it gaining work from some organisations that want to support it.

The charity, based at Hammerain House, Hookstone Avenue, was set up 11 years ago in response to the Care In The Community Initiative and has 20 trainees and four staff.

Paperworks provides commercial services, including document collating, labelling, mailing, and packing for private and public sector customers. It says it could win more contracts and increase its revenue if it had access to transport.

Manager Gillian Martin said: "People use our services for two main reasons: we do a good job cost-effectively and they wish to support our community role of providing valuable job training for people with disabilities.

"Those who use our services are delighted with the results, but we are finding it hard to win and retain some business because we do not have access to transport in order to collect or deliver their print-finishing or packaging projects.

"These are organisations which want to give us business but do not want to assume the logistical responsibility of transport. It is extremely frustrating and we would welcome any help which may be available"

Having access to transport would enable Paperworks trainees to widen their customer service skills by collecting or delivering to customers. After training, many increase their independence by progressing to full or part time jobs.

The charity is appealing to transport companies, local delivery vans, couriers and taxi drivers for help. Anyone interested should phone Gillian Martin on 01423 816999

Updated: 10:30 Friday, October 21, 2005