FUNDRAISING for Manorlands is blossoming thanks to two young sisters.

Amy-Jo and Maisie Bland are selling sunflowers to raise desperately-needed funds for the Oxenhope hospice.

The girls start to grow the flowers from seed, before selling them on.

So far, the enterprising siblings – from Oakworth – have sold around 50 sunflowers, at £5 each.

Fifty pence from each sale helps cover costs, but the remainder all goes to Manorlands.

Amy-Jo, 12, and Maisie, eight, are both members of Haworth Scout group and their efforts are also counting towards badge work.

Mum Joanne said the girls would normally bring a sunflower home from school each year to grow, but that didn’t happen this time because of the Covid-19 situation, so they instead started cultivating their own – planting 15 seeds initially.

“The girls agreed it would be a great idea to raise funds for Manorlands by planting some more and then selling them as they grow,” said Joanne.

“It’s always a joy to see sunflowers in full bloom and in the current situation we thought they would cheer people up.

“We appealed via Facebook for any spare plant pots and got quite a few, plus some canes and sticks.”

When the first batch of sunflowers was ready, the plants were snapped-up by family and friends and the wider community.

“The response was amazing – requests were received for all the sunflowers on the first day” added Joanne.

“Everybody was really pleased with them and commented on what a great idea it was for raising money for Manorlands.

“Due to the success, the girls have been busy planting more seeds to sell, so those plants should be ready in the next few weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone who has purchased sunflowers or donated plant pots.

“If anybody is interested in purchasing a sunflower, then we are happy to reserve one for them.

“Also, if anyone has any plant pots they no longer need we would be happy to take these from you!”

Joanne can be contacted by email on joanne.bland@talktalk.net.

Sue Ryder, the charity that runs Manorlands, launched an appeal in April after warning that the hospice and others it operates could close due to a funding crisis.