OTLEY Lions have raised thousands of pounds to help a hospice provide its vital care.

Club president Richard Phillips said: "For last year's Christmas President's Project Otley Lions Club CIO decided to support Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. Over the festive period the club hosted Santa at Stephen H. Smiths in his Grotto and also at Waitrose. These events helped us raise £4000 which we recently presented a cheque for to Kirsty Christmas at our bookshop on Mercury Row.

"Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Their doctors, Sue Ryder Nurses, and carers offer the compassionate, expert care needed to help you live the best life you possibly can."

Earlier this month the club donated £240 to help provide basic sanitation to some of the world’s poorest people. The donation went to fundraisers who were helping to pay for a basic toilet in a poor community.