MORE than 200 people attended this year's St Patrick's Dance and presentation evening for the 2017 Danny Ryan Awards.

Five children and young people who cope with serious and chronic illnesses were rewarded for their bravery on stage, which each receiving a £400 grant.

Bailey Fannon, Daniel Burns, Gabriel Kucia, Hayley Collyer and Cameron Kerr received their grants from Eileen Ryan, the widow of the late Holy Family Catholic School deputy head teacher Danny Ryan, who the awards are named after.

Mrs Ryan's four sons also attended the evening earlier this month (March) which was held in Victoria Hall.

The many guests enjoyed light refreshments and live music provided by Irish band Pat Jordan and Finians Rainbow.

The annual dance has been taking place for 33 years, in which time the awards scheme has raised and donated more than £60,000 to young people in and around Keighley.

Sean Gilligan, one of the organisers of the initiative, said: "We had great support on the night from sixth form students from Holy Family school, who served guests at the tables.

"All of us parents know how difficult it can be to bring up young people even when they are fit and healthy.

"So this is a fantastic opportunity for us to show a bit of care and concern for those people that don't have it as easy as us."