TWO hugely-popular annual events in support of Sue Ryder – which runs Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope – have together raised a mammoth £76,000, delighted organisers have announced.

The Bronte Vintage Gathering, held over a weekend at the showfield in Haworth Road, Cullingworth, attracted thousands of visitors.

There was a wide range of attractions including falconry and dog agility displays, terrier racing, clay pigeon shooting, crafts, trade stalls, auctions, children’s rides and vehicles including classic cars, motorcycles and tractors.

Xtreme Stunt Team performed, a sheep show made its return, and there were two evenings of entertainment in the beer tent.

Now a cheque for £56,000 has been handed over to Sue Ryder.

Trish Wood, for the Bronte Vintage Gathering team, says: “It was an amazing weekend. People were smiling and laughing, having a fabulous time. That, and the amount raised, makes it all worthwhile.

“We couldn’t do it without all our incredibly generous supporters. Thank you so much to each and every person and organisation that supported the event in any shape or form, from donors and volunteers to visitors and everyone else.”

The seventh annual Sue Ryder Solstice Saunter has also been hailed as a huge success.

More than 680 runners and walkers took part in the event, which followed a five-mile circular route around the Bolton Abbey estate.

The Saunter, organised by Airedale Dodgers Running Club, raised £20,000 – taking the total coined-in over the years to around £157,000.

All entrants, including more than 50 people who completed the event virtually, received a bespoke medal.

The first three male finishers were Michael Vargas, Martin Fillingham and Richard Herrington, and the first female runners home were Kirsty Wicks, Eliza Taswell-Fryer and Georgia Robinson.

Event sponsor was Silsden-based Ecology Building Society.

Andrew Wood, community fundraising manager at Manorlands, says: “The Solstice Saunter is a much-loved event and we were delighted that this year was another sell-out success. It provides a fun and unique way for people to come together in a beautiful setting and celebrate the arrival of summer, with the added benefit of raising vital funds for a good cause. Thanks go to our sponsors and volunteers for their fantastic support, and to everyone who pulled on their trainers and joined us, both at Bolton Abbey and virtually.”