EVERY year 3,000 disabled and elderly people enjoy sailing on The Solent in a boat dedicated to a victim of the Clapham Junction railway disaster.

The memory of tragic 32-year-old Alison MacGregor lives on in the waters around Lymington, where she loved to sail, with a catamaran named after her.

Every year from May to September volunteer skippers take groups of 12 out on the 33ft vessel.

Now the Solent Dolphin Trust, which oversees the project, is £700 better off thanks to a donation from Ashlett Sailing Club near Fawley.

The club's 200 members held a fundraising fete on the day of their regatta last month in aid of the Alison MacGregor boat.

Social secretary Dawn Minard said: "We wanted to help with the boat's running costs because it is such an excellent cause.

"A lot of club members are involved in taking the disabled and elderly out on the water.

"Sailing gives you such a feeling of freedom so it's great to give people who don't have the opportunity to sail to experience what it's like."

Keen sailor and Radio Solent presenter Dennis Skillicorn accepted the cheque on behalf of the Alice MacGregor.

The ex-Ashlett sailing club member is just one of the volunteers who helps take the boat out three times a day.