Ilkley's Ardenlea Marie Curie Centre will not be allowed to fade from memory when its doors close for the final time.

The centre is being replaced by a £5 million Marie Curie Centre in Bradford, which should open in the year 2001.

A book about the Queen's Drive-based centre is being compiled and staff have appealed for help from former staff, patients or their families.

The book will trace Ardenlea from its origins as the home of a Victorian draper to the present day.

Ardenlea volunteers manager Liz Binns said: "We have people researching the history of the building, which is proving quite fascinating, and we will welcome, of course, any old photographs or information.

"Since Marie Curie took over the house in the mid-Sixties many people have worked here either on the nursing staff or as volunteers and, of course, many families have benefited from its very special care.

"We want to hear from these people. We also want photographs of events held at the centre - strawberry fairs, barbecues, staff outings and the anecdotes of what happened at them.

"Ardenlea has poignant memories for many people and we want to know of these.

"We don't intend this book will be a blockbuster but we hope it will reflect the history and life of Ardenlea to the present time.

"With everyone's help we can make it a fascinating read.''

Anyone who has photographs, anecdotes or would like to tell their story can telephone Liz Binns on (01943) 607505 or write to her at the Marie Curie Centre, Ardenlea, Queen's Drive, Ilkley LS29 9QR.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.