AIR ambulance fundraisers Neil and Carol Stronach have turned their back on Skipton Town Hall as a base for their money making fairs.

For the past two years the fairs have raised £20,000 for the charity but the couple say that due to increases in charges at the town hall, cumbersome new rules and the "notorious clamper" they are taking their business elsewhere.

The couple say they still intend to raise funds but from a large shop in Colne Road, Earby.

Mr Stronach said that he had operated from the Town Hall for 12 years, initially with the Skipton Lions for whom he amassed thousands of pounds before leaving the club for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity.

The variety shows will still go ahead at the various hostelries around the district and the couple are involved in a vintage and classic vehicle run from Coniston Cold to Grange-over-Sands.

Mr and Mrs Stronach will have a stall at Broughton Game Show on Sunday and will continue with fairs at Long Ashes on the first Sunday of each month.

Anyone wanting to contribute books and bric-a-brac should call 01282 844086 after 6pm.

A spokesman for Craven District Council, which manages the town hall, said he had no details regarding this particular case and was unable to comment.