A NEW running festival is being staged to raise funds for a hospice.

The Bolton Abbey Trail Festival takes place on Sunday, August 19, with all proceeds going to the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

A choice of routes is available to cater for runners of all abilities.

There are 10k, half-marathon, 15-mile and 20-mile events, which all start at 11am.

And there is a two-mile run, beginning at 2pm.

Chip timing is being provided and there is a bespoke medal for each participant.

Keelham Farm Shop will be supplying fruit at the finish line.

All entrants will receive a day’s free admission to the Bolton Abbey estate, and free parking.

Other attractions at the event will include a bar, bouncy castle, face painting, hot and cold food and drinks.

There will also be a sportswear outlet and a physiotherapist will be on hand to offer advice and treat any problems.

The festival is being sponsored by Midgley Motors and Convenience Hire.

Organiser Molly Ralphson, a community fundraiser at Manorlands, said: “All the routes are guaranteed to be beautiful, with the run timed to coincide with the purple heather on the moors being at its visual peak.

“Not only is this a great opportunity to run on some of the finest trails in the country, Bolton Abbey is a fantastic day out for all the family.

“We really hope people will take the opportunity to come for the day, whilst at the same time supporting Manorlands hospice.

“We’ll be accepting entries on the day, but would really like advance entries if possible to help with the planning.”

For more details and to enter, visit sueryder.org/trailfestival.

The festival is the latest in a series of running events held to support the hospice.

Bolton Abbey is also host to the annual Solstice Saunter, which this year attracted 700 entrants and raised nearly £20,000.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.