MEMBERS of the South Craven community came together to remember Sutton man Chris Riley, who sadly died from cancer earlier this year, and to raise money for Manorlands Hospice.

Organised by South Craven Together, with the backing of Chris's family, the event was held in Glusburn Park on a very hot Saturday.

Opened by Skipton mayor Rick Judge, it included family activities, face-painting, a raffle and tombola and several bands performing on the 'Life of Riley' stage.

Organiser, Alister Witherington, chair of South Craven Together, said it had been a very successful event, which so far had raised around £7,000 for Manorlands Hospice. It was also set to become an annual fixture in the South Craven calender.

He said: "It was a fabulous day, extremely tiring, but very rewarding after receiving such positive feedback, and as such it was an easy decision for me and others involved to make this an annual event.

"Donations have still been coming in, and we are now getting close to a total of £7,000 raised for Manorlands Hospice, so we are thrilled about this."

He added it was good to see family and friends of Chris Riley, who was just in his late 20s when in 2020 he was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, at the event.

"It was very special to see Chris's family and friends, relaxed around The 'Life of Riley' stage, enjoying the lovely weather and listening to a fabulous lineup of local music artists, in what really was a beautiful natural setting in Glusburn Park.

"A highlight for many was a cover version of The Lightening Seeds, 'Life of Riley' song, released in 1992 performed by Kathryn Longbottom a close family friend of Chris's."

He added: "We had a fantastic turnout from our local community, and the atmosphere throughout the day was amazing, Mark McGlinchey of Drystone Radio interviewed visitors and volunteers, and also asked for song requests that were later played on Andy Rankine's radio show."

Alister said the event went on a little longer than scheduled with no one wanting to miss the popular local band, Stilletto, which 'finished the event in style and made it a 'perfect day for so many'.

Alister thanked all the volunteers who helped put on the event and added there would now be a get together of all those involved and a presentation of a cheque of the amount raised to a representative of Sue Ryder Manorlands.