AN official launch has taken place for next year's Keighley 10k and 5k in aid of Sue Ryder.

The annual walk and run will once again be held on Mother's Day, which in 2024 falls on March 10.

Since it was first held 17 years ago, the popular fixture has coined-in more than £500,000 for the charity – which runs Manorlands hospice, at Oxenhope.

Nearly 800 people took part this year, and £20,000 was raised.

The 2024 event will again follow routes that start and finish at Victoria Park, and take in a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath and the grounds of 17th-century National Trust property East Riddlesden Hall. The 10k also takes in Keighley Golf Club.

All participants will receive a bespoke T-shirt.

The launch event – held at East Riddlesden Hall – featured representatives of the long-term sponsor Colin Appleyard Ltd, and new backers AWB Charlesworth Solicitors and the Modality Partnership.

Tracey Butterfield, marketing manager at Colin Appleyard, said: "Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice provides invaluable care and support to people who need it, and we're proud to continue our backing of its fantastic work by once again supporting the Keighley 10k and 5k."

Sara Cooper, marketing executive at AWB Charlesworth Solicitors, said the firm was "delighted" to be involved.

She added: "The hospice is immensely important to Keighley and the whole surrounding area, and we enjoy supporting it in every way we can. Many of our staff and clients have links to the hospice so it is an absolute privilege to be able to assist this fantastic local cause."

And Dr Brendan Kennedy, executive partner at Modality Partnership, says: "We are really proud to be one of the 2024 headline sponsors.

"As a Keighley GP for over 20 years I’ve seen many, many people get active and really improve their health and these patients are happier and on fewer medications, so the NHS also saves money. Even just volunteering or walking can make a huge difference, so please get active and take part."

The sponsors were joined by Sue Ryder volunteer Dave Belmont.

He said: "We are keeping the very popular, more scenic route launched this year. Entry is now open and participants signing up within the next month can benefit from an extremely reasonable early-bird rate."

Early-bird entry costs £12 for adults, and £8 for under-18s.

For more details and to register, visit sueryder.org/keighley10k