Manorlands bosses have warned of a potential cash crisis at the Sue Ryder hospice if more money cannot be raised.

Treasurer Gordon Senior stressed the need for continued financial support at the Manorlands annual general meeting on Monday.

He reported a deficit of £161,000 from last year and said: "We can't go on sustaining losses like this for ever and if the finance doesn't improve we will be reliant on Sue Ryder Care's national funds.

"We have to raise as much money as we can. It is not looking good generally but the first three months of this year have started better than anticipated and if the enthusiasm of the fundraisers turns into success we'll be all right."

He explained that while the Oxenhope hospice was controlling its expenditure, legacies -- one of its main sources of income -- had reduced.

He said: "Legacy income reduction is a national problem for a lot of charities."

Sue Ryder Care is working to raise public awareness, and Manorlands is doing so locally.

It costs in excess of £1.1 million to operate Manorlands each year and it has successfully negotiated with both Bradford Health Authority and Craven Primary Care Group for increased funding this year.

After the opening of the new Marie Curie hospice, in Bradford, and the closure of Ardenlea, in Ilkley, Manorlands is anticipating an increase in the number of patients within the area.

In conjunction with the Macmillan Cancer Relief, Manorlands is seeking to appoint another specialist nurse to provide more expertise in the Skipton and Craven areas.

After the meeting, fundraiser Sally Owthwaite (above) said: "Our main problem is that legacies are a declining picture.

"It is a very sensitive area and we don't want to offend people, but legacies are an important source of funds for the hospice.

"We hope that by leaving leaflets with solicitors and noting it in newsletters we can subtly encourage people.

"We use fundraising to make up the short fall, but we can only have so many events with three fundraisers and there are so many charities needing support now. We are at an advantage to have a high profile locally and we are hoping that local companies will support us -- and not only the companies but their employees and customers."

She outlined the full diary of fundraising events that Manorlands has planned.

There will be a garden party on July 8 at the hospice, when all sorts of performers and stalls will provide entertainment.

On the August 4 Bank Holiday a music event is being staged at Manorlands, with a baritone, flautist and others.

And over the bank holiday a flower festival, which is a new event, is being held. It will be at St Michael's Church, in Haworth, and is a chance to see the arrangements.

Sally added: "We are always looking for help selling the Christmas draw tickets."

Anyone who would like information, or to offer services, or make a donation should contact Manorlands on 01535 642308.