THEY are used to hitting the high note - especially when it comes to fundraising.

Established in 1997, FootNotes is a local singing and dancing group made up of members ranging from 16 to the over 60s.

For the past 24 years, one of the group's founder members - Linda Enderby - has fulfilled the role of fundraiser for Cancer Support Yorkshire.

“I work for the charity and I live and breathe it, I really do. I am so passionate about it. It has helped me, it has helped my family, I have experienced what we can do with other people and I have experienced it personally and my family has so anything I can do, I do,” says Linda.

After helping to launch FootNotes it was fitting for the group to select Cancer Support Yorkshire as their chosen charity.

With branches in Bradford and Skipton, the charity provides help and support to those affected by cancer and over the years FootNotes have helped to boost its funds tremendously.

Initially, the group were aiming to raise £20,000, but they have since surpassed that amount.

Now, as Cancer Support Yorkshire prepares to mark a milestone - its 30th anniversary in January - FootNotes - which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year - is now on course to topping the £30,000 target.

Linda explains they are delighted to reach the target ahead of the special occasion and that is testimony to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the FootNotes team.

The group was originally part of a society involved in a performance celebrating Bradford’s Centenary year.

When the celebrations came to an end, the performers had enjoyed it so much they decided to set up their own group. FootNotes was born.

“We were all on a high and we wanted to do something,” says Linda.

Liz Storey, Linda’s fellow FootNotes founder member secured them some rehearsal space in the War Memorial Hall in the picturesque village of Esholt near Baildon and they have been rehearsing there regularly ever since.

“We have just grown from half a dozen people,” says Linda, referring to the current membership of 10.

But with retirement and further education leading to the departure of their some of their current crop of members, they are keen to recruit more.

As well as performing at the hall, the group also takes its performances into local communities appearing at various venues such as the Esholt Memorial Hall Strolling Players.

“It’s a great society to be involved in. Members have come and gone over the years for various reasons and this year our younger performers are heading off to University,” explains Linda.

Their latest event ‘A Touch of Class’ takes place at Esholt Memorial Hall on Saturday August 19 and features some classic songs.

Their main performance, their Christmas show, takes place during the first week in December.

“It is a fantastic experience. It keeps you active and it is a good social thing as well,” says Linda.

For Mavis Thomas, membership of FootNotes is a real family affair. Her husband Neil takes some of the stage photography, her son, Declan, plays the drums for the performances and her sister, Pat Riley, joined last year and has performed in the group’s Christmas concert.

Mavis, who helps people back into employment through her role as a work coach at Keighley Job Centre, joined seven years ago after being encouraged by her friend, Liz Storey, who came up with the idea for FootNotes.

Mavis was already a member of the Bingley-based choir, Opus 44. Singing has been an integral part of her life. “I have always sung. I’ve always been in school choirs,” she explains.

As well as the music and singing, Mavis is also keen to support a cause which is very much close to her family’s hearts.

“My father-in-law had lung cancer and the support he got through Cancer Support Yorkshire was amazing. They helped him with his finances and the emotional support and we got support,” says Mavis.

She says they are ‘thrilled to bits’ they are now so close to raising £30,000. “We are so proud of it.”

The group are keen to continue performing and supporting the charity - but they need more volunteers to participate.

Liz, who helps to choreograph the routines for the performances, says the group is perfect for those who have always wanted to perform on stage but never dared to do so.

“The thing is for us you don’t have to have done anything beforehand. Really it is movement and you don’t have to have sung before.

“It is for anybody who would love to perform but have never dared to have a go.”

Liz explains the group is a small and informal environment - perfect for those who may not have had the opportunity to perform before.

For Liz, the satisfaction of being involved in the group comes from raising funds for the charity.

She explains how they were keen to support Cancer Support Yorkshire - which originally set up as Bradford Cancer Support - as it is a small, local charity.

Liz also enjoys enabling people to achieve their aspirations to perform.

“What I love is seeing people who have never done anything before, seeing they have got a talent there and that they can perform.

"That talent has then gone to other people, people who have enjoyed their performance,” explains Liz, whose experience comes from her involvement with many local amateur societies over the years.

Now she is hoping to appeal to others to get involved and helped to swell their membership ranks to secure FootNotes' long-term future.

“We are desperate to be able to carry on,” says Liz.

The group rehearses in the hall from 7.30 until 9.30pm on Monday evenings. For more information, or if you’re interested in joining, call 07931 761256.