A Keighley News appeal to raise £1 million for Manorlands has blasted through the £815,500 mark.

Delighted bosses at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice have praised readers for their magnificent support. And the public is being urged to maintain its backing to smash the target.

Manorlands needs to find £1 million just to keep its current services running this year, and a further £200,000 will be required to cover its entire operational costs.

The hospice relies heavily on voluntary contributions and its own fundraising efforts to finance its provision, offering specialist care and treatment to people with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their relatives.

Our Million for Manorlands appeal was launched with the Sue Ryder centre last April.

Hannah Taylor, the charity’s regional fundraising manager, said: “The purpose was always to highlight that despite the generosity of the local community, we do not raise enough locally to cover the costs of providing our services at Manorlands.

“Each year we are very grateful for all the support we receive and this latest total shows that, even when times are hard, the community will step up to the challenge to back their local hospice.

“We’re closer than we have been in past years to raising enough money to cover the costs of maintaining our current services, and we can’t thank the local community enough for its continued support. With one last push we can do this!”

Appeal organisers are asking everyone to start the New Year with a resolution to help the campaign. People can take part in many activities staged by the hospice's fundraising team and supporters, organise their own or simply make a donation.

This year is Manorlands’ 40th anniversary, presenting the opportunity to stage themed events.

Hannah said: “The Vestey family very generously donated its family home ‘Manorlands’ to Sue Ryder and thanks to the support of the local community over the last 40 years, we have been able to grow our services.

“With people’s help in 2014, we can continue to provide care to those who need our support.”

For details about events, or help with organising your own, call the fundraising team on 01535 640430.