Disabled athletes from Keighley and Bradford are looking to an even brighter sporting future after £4,000 was raised at a massive birthday bash.

Around 220 people were invited to the 15th birthday dinner of the Bradford Sports and Recreation Association for People with Disabilities, at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on Friday.

Throughout the evening money was collected in a variety of ways, including numerous raffles, a lucky dip and a huge auction of donated gifts.

At the end of the evening over £4,000 had been raised to help the sporting group send its athletes to next year's Special Olympics in Cardiff.

Pauline Montgomery, BSRAPD's chairman says: "It really was the best dinner we've ever had. I'm sure everyone would agree that the atmosphere was terrific, as was all the entertainment.

"There was a unique mix of cultures and people with and without disabilities, which made for a great evening. It's not just 'come and make some money' but also a celebration of our supporters and members."

The event was attended by representatives from BSRAPD, many of the group's sporting members and their families, BSRAPD's financial supporters, councillors, and the Lord and Lady Mayoress.

Speaking to the assembled fundraisers and supporters, Lord Mayor Councillor Stanley King said: "I've enjoyed tonight because I'm in good company and it's for a good cause.

"It's great to be able to help people with disabilities enjoy sport and to have a fuller life than they would have done if it wasn't for the people of this organisation."

He added: "I hope we are all going to cheer when you count the proceeds, and I do trust that you are going to bring back a lot of gold medals from the Olympics."

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, who also attended, said: "I'm delighted to be here this year, particularly in the 16th year of this marvellous organisation.

"This has become a major event in the social calendar of the people of Bradford."

In the auction, which raised most of the evening's £4,000, guests paid £380 for a day at the House of Commons, including tea at the Commons; £300 for two first class rail tickets from Leeds to London; £160 for a signed Leeds Utd football; £150 for a day's training at West Yorkshire Police HQ; £90 for an evening for six at Keighley's AMF Bowl; and £60 for a signed Keighley Cougars rugby ball.