Manorlands is celebrating news it is the chosen charity this year of Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre.

The hospice was selected from a five-strong shortlist through a public vote on Facebook.

Other contenders were Cancer Support Bradford & Airedale, the Keighley & District branch of the National Autistic Society, Little Heroes children’s cancer charity and Wildlife Rescue Sanctuaries.

Airedale Centre manager, Steve Seymour, said: “Once again we turned to the Keighley community to help us decide who should become our charity partner, but this year was a bit different because we encouraged shoppers to use our Facebook page to vote, and it worked really well.

“Manorlands is a fantastic cause and one we have worked with a lot in the past, and we are looking forward to doing so again for the coming year. My family and I have personally raised a lot of money for them via various sponsored swims, cycle rides and by taking part in the annual Mascot Race at Wetherby racecourse.

“We will work with Manorlands to ensure it can get as much as possible out of the partnership, whether we are raising money or giving it space within the centre to raise awareness of its worthwhile work.”

Harriet Bevan, a fundraiser at the hospice, said the partnership was fantastic news for Manorlands, and she thanked everyone who voted for it.

“It is fantastic news, not just for the fact it will help us bring in income to provide more care in the local area but also it’s an opportunity for us to spread more awareness of what we do as a charity, and reach out and talk to people in our community,” she said.

“We have worked with Steve and his team at the Airedale Shopping Centre in a number of ways in the past, and they have always been incredibly supportive.”