Fundraising for a new therapy room at Manorlands got off to a spicy start thanks to a Keighley curry house.

Shimla Spice raised £1,135 towards the £4,000 appeal by holding a charity night at its restaurant in South Street.

Every penny spent by customers went to Manorlands because the restaurant covered the cost of food and staff.

Staff at the hospice hope to create a haven of tranquillity for patients by converting a little-used room. The former bathroom will be transformed with new carpet and curtains, decorated tiles, special lighting, CD player and treatment bed. Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, Indian head massage and reflexology are proving increasingly popular among patients at the hospice.

But treatment sessions are often interrupted because they have to be carried out in rooms also used by the patients for other activities.

Day-care sister Kath Simpson said: "The atmosphere in which the treatments are given is of vital importance.

"Privacy, along with quiet and relaxing surroundings, play a large part in the benefits gained."

Donations for the therapy room should be sent to Kath Simpson or fundraiser Chris Bown on 01535 642308 for more details.

Picture: Sister Kath Simpson, left, and fundraiser Chris Bown receive a cheque for £1,135 from Shimla Spice owners, from left, Mohammed Ayub, Basharat Hussain and Mahmood Akhtar