MANORLANDS has added colour to its fundraising exploits.

A first-ever PaintRush has been staged in aid of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

And yesterday's event was hailed as a huge success.

More than 600 people took part and about £18,500 was raised. 

See picture gallery here

"For a first event that is excellent," said Manorlands fundraiser, Andrew Wood.

"Everyone involved worked together and did a brilliant job."

The extravaganza – organised by the hospice's Riddlesden and East Morton support group – saw participants pelted or sprayed with seven shades of brightly-coloured paint powder as they ran or walked around a 5km course at Marley playing fields, in Keighley.

Main sponsors, McNally Electrical Yorkshire Ltd and JACS Trade and DIY, had paint stations.

Others supporting stations included Colin Appleyard and Acorn Stairlifts, which also had the most entrants taking part – 72.

AB Jetting used high-pressure water hoses to douse the runners.

The course covered two laps of the fields and in addition to the paint stations, there were paint fountains, a mascot 'zoo' and a colour mountain where the vegetation was painted.

All participants received a special T-shirt.

The PaintRush was followed by a family fun day.

Singer Emi Hall performed and there was children's entertainment, a bar and refreshments.

"A big thank-you goes to everyone involved," said Mr Wood.

"It was the support group's event and it did fantastically well.

"Thanks go to the sponsors for their wonderful backing, all the volunteers who helped and of course everybody who took part.

"The support group is already talking about repeating the event and how it can make it even bigger and better next year."

Anyone wanting to join the group can contact Mr Wood on 01535 640176 or search for it on Facebook.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £8,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.