Santa took a break from his hectic Lapland lifestyle to officially launch the Manorlands Christmas draw.

The launch was held at the Crossflatts base of the Brad-ford and Bingley Building Society, which is sponsoring the annual draw for the 10th year. A cake was cut to mark the anniversary.

The society is once again providing the top prize, a £1,000 cash award. There will also be dozens of other prizes, including a weekend break in Blackpool and a colour TV.

Last year's draw raised a record £11,556 for the Oxen-hope Sue Ryder cancer-care hospice, and organisers hope the latest effort will exceed that.

Manorlands fundraiser David Wood says: "Last year's result was absolutely fantastic and was more than £1,000 up on 1996. It will take some beating, but I think that with a bit of luck we can do it."

He is appealing for volunteers to help sell the £1-a-book tickets, which will be available from early next month.

Anyone able to assist is asked to contact Mr Wood on 01274 573752.

The Bradford and Bingley presented a cheque for over £2,000 to Manorlands. Part of the cash was raised through the society's hospitality tent at Bingley Show, with a matching donation from the company.

Keighley College has presented a £60 cheque to Manorlands, proceeds of a display and information stand at Bingley Show.

Jean Gallagher, who co-ordinates basic skills training in the college's learning services department, did children's face painting.

Despite warm weather and numerous men wearing shorts, beauty therapists Lucy Marshall and Caroline Ward failed to tempt many on to their treatment bed for leg waxing. But they had plenty of young customers for hair streaking and styling.

Information was provided about college courses, and many people signed-up for programmes starting next month.

The £60 cheque was presented to Manorlands fundraiser David Wood by Martyn Spence, marketing manager at the college.

Manorlands is looking for volunteers to take part in a sponsored bike ride next month.

The annual ride, which is split into Bront and Summer Wine sections, visits six West Yorkshire hospices. Proceeds will be divided among the homes. The event starts at 9am on Sunday September 20.

Entry forms are available from Mr Wood at the Manorlands appeal office on 01274 573752.

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