MANORLANDS is gearing up for one of its biggest fundraising events of the year.

The Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice is staging its annual garden party – the 43rd – on Sunday, July 14.

And organisers are appealing for support from the public and businesses in preparation for the extravaganza.

A packed programme of activities and attractions is planned for the event, which takes place between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

Stalls will include books, cakes, plants, home produce, bric-a-brac, tombolas and crafts.

Entertainment will be provided on stage by a variety of acts, including the Voices of Yorkshire Choir and The Jivers.

Also present will be ‘regular’ favourites, Haworth Brass Band and the village’s Home Guard.

Manorlands has this week issued an appeal for donations of items to sell at the garden party.

New goods, bric-a-brac, plants and cakes – as well as prizes for the raffle and tombolas – are welcome.

The organising team asks that contributions be dropped off at the hospice the week before the event.

Businesses interested in advertising in the event brochure are also being sought.

A quarter-page advert costs £140, enough to pay for a hospice nurse for a day. But other-sized slots are available. Contact the hospice on 01535 640430 for more details.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, said: “Every penny spent at the garden party goes directly to fund the specialist care provided at the hospice and in the community.

“But for this to continue we rely on the goodwill of the community to help us by providing items for the stalls and by attending on the day.

“We are short of donations so far, so this is an ideal chance to have a clear-out at home or for people to use their craft skills for a worthy local cause; we’re so grateful to anyone who donates items for the day.

“The garden party is a family-centred event .

“There is such a buzz on the day and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful grounds and gardens, which our patients enjoy so much.

“It also gives us the chance to talk to people about the services we provide and why the support of the community is so important to us.

“We’re looking forward to another fantastic day and hope to see a mix of old and new visitors enjoying the garden party.

“The event is held every year on the second Sunday of July and helps to raise a significant amount of vital funds to ensure the hospice can continue to provide care in the local community to patients and families.”

It costs Manorlands £9,000 a day to keep the hospice running.