The Lord Mayor of Bradford, pictured inset, has praised the generosity of people in Bradford as her charity appeal fund grows.

The appeal in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Bradford's Special Burns Research Unit has already smashed through the £20,000 mark just halfway through the fundraising year.

Councillor Valerie Binney, of Shipley, said the appeal's success so far was thanks to the district's deep generosity and to her hard-working committee who keep coming up with money-spinning ideas for her chosen causes.

She said: "It's brilliant news. I'm touched by people's support because I know there are so many other good causes out there, people have been so generous.

"I'm lucky to have such a great team backing me on the appeal committee, their enthusiasm and good ideas are certainly doing us proud."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the work of the appeal's two charities should head to Bradford City's Valley Parade on Sunday, October 30 for an open day event.

The Air Ambulance will be flying in to the stadium during the day which will start at 10am and end at 4pm, admission is free for everyone.

"That day isn't about raising money, it's about raising awareness. We're hoping as many people as possible will come along and find out what we're raising all this money for at first-hand," said appeal officer Alexis Jenner.

The events calendar for the second-half of the year is already filling up. Highlights include a High Society civic ball on Saturday, May 6, a Sporting Legends Dinner on Thursday, February 16, an abseil in March and an evening with celebrity artist Ashley Jackson at Cartwright Hall on Thursday, March 30.

Christmas cards supporting the Lord Mayor's appeal will also soon be on sale depicting a wintry scene at Bingley's St Ives estate and a cheery robin.

The cards will be available from tourist information offices across the district costing £2.99 for a pack of ten.

To find out more about how you can support the appeal or any of its events, telephone Alexis on (01274) 434965.