DELIGHTED organisers of this year's Bronte Vintage Gathering (BVG) are celebrating a record result.

The event, held during a weekend earlier this month, raised a staggering £29,000.

The figure is almost double the amount coined-in last year.

"I'm absolutely delighted – over the moon," said Trish Wood, for the BVG team.

"We had a fantastic weekend weather-wise and an incredible atmosphere – with thousands of visitors, so I was hopeful of a good result.

"But I didn't dream for one moment we would raise such an astonishing amount.

"I would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone involved in the organising and who helped at the event, everybody who provided attractions and entertainment and the public for its overwhelming support."

Since it was launched 18 years ago, the BVG has now raised more than £360,000 for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

This year's event, at the usual Cullingworth site, featured several new attractions, as well as regular favourites.

The line-up in the arena included a sheep show, Xtreme Stunt Team, terrier racing, a dog agility show and SMJ Falconry.

There was also hands-on entertainment across the showground, such as fairground rides, a bouncy castle, slides, clay pigeon shooting and Blackpool donkey rides.

Visitors could find a range of hand-pulled Old Spot brewery real ales and craft stalls in the marquees, and there were food and trade stands.

Among many exhibits around the field were classic cars, commercial and military vehicles, motorcycles, miniature steam engines, tractors and organs.

There was a collectors’ and machinery auction on the Saturday, followed by live entertainment in the beer tent from Wired.

And a bumper auction of donated goods took place on the Sunday afternoon.

Manorlands senior fundraiser, Hayley Ibbotson, paid tribute to the BVG team and everyone who supported the event.

"This is a phenomenal donation that is such a boost to the hospice," she said.

"The weather was glorious on both days and it was great to see so many people attending and enjoying the gathering.

"The hospice relies heavily on the help and support of the local community to continue, and on behalf of Manorlands, I'd like to thank the committee for all its hard work and endless enthusiasm putting this fantastic event together, and everyone who attended during the weekend to make its efforts such a success."

l See page 30 for the latest Manorlands hospice news

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley BD21 3AG. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.