A KEIGHLEY funeral director is organising a cabaret and a dinner dance to raise money for Lourdes pilgrims.

Melia Powell Funeral Service will host the event on October 19 from 7.30pm at the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton.

There will be a three-course meal, live cabaret and dancing until 1am, at a cost of £40 per head.

Proceeds will go to the Keighley-based Massabielle Group which takes sick and vulnerable people on holiday once a year to Lourdes in France as part of a pilgrimage established over 50 years ago.

The dinner dance will also support a children’s cancer support group in Skipton.

Melia Powell boss Brian Langford said he had first gone on a pilgrimage to Lourdes with Holy Family School when he was 14.

He said: “I have never forgotten the joy of seeing sick people being given the chance to visit Lourdes and to be cared for and made to feel special.

“I have helped on other pilgrimages to Lourdes and now actively support the work of Sean Gilligan and Michael Devlin, my old school teachers, whenever I can.

“Their continued and sustained efforts to keep alive the annual tradition is highly valued amongst those who know the love and joy Lourdes has to offer.”

Call 01274 567110 to buy tickets.