THE fundraising team at a dales Hospice are encouraging youngsters to brighten up the districts of Keighley, Ilkley and Skipton this summer with their latest money raising idea.

The tallest sunflower competition aims to raise as much money as possible for Manorlands Hospice, part of the Sue Ryder Care network of such hospices.

We are currently searching for a competition sponsor who could donate prizes for the winning individuals...

Andrew Wood - Manorlands fundraiser

Aimed mainly at schools and community groups, packs of seeds - donated by Suttons Seeds Ltd - will be available for a minimum donation of £2.

In addition to raising funds for Manorlands Hospice, the project has a number of other benefits as Sue Ryder Care Fundraiser Andrew Wood explains: "This is a fun competition with educational value.

"It will hopefully get young people outdoors this summer to tend to their sunflowers in an effort to win when judging takes place in mid August. We are currently searching for a competition sponsor who could donate prizes for the winning individuals and their nominated community gardening initiative."

The project has already been backed by many of the local 'In bloom' committees including Keighley and Skipton who are hoping a good community response in their respective areas will gain them extra points when they are judged in the summer.

Schools, community groups and potential sponsors interested in getting involved in the competition should contact Andrew Wood in the Manorlands Fundraising Office on 01535 640430 or email Andrew.Wood@suerydercare.org

• Based at Oxenhope, near Keighley, Manorlands Hospice provides specialist palliative care for patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses from Airedale, Craven, Bradford and Wharfedale. Last year the hospice cared for over 650 patients and supported hundreds more relatives, carers and friends of patients. Manorlands relies on voluntary contributions for the majority of its income and never charges patients for any of the care they receive - the hospice will cost more than £1.9 million to run in 2007.