A fundraising event, which has banked more than £131,000 since it was launched, had a special significance when the organisers and participants gathered at Coniston Hotel.

In the hearts and minds of the organisers, the participants and his family was the late Tom Bannister, who, four years ago, launched the Coniston Challenge Day in aid of Sue Ryder’s Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope.

The event at Coniston Hotel and Country Estate had to be cancelled in the summer following Tom’s tragic death in a car accident and it was rearranged to take place last Wednesday.

His father, Michael, said: “This was Tom’s passion and he wouldn’t have wanted us to cancel it but to carry on.

“This is the fifth challenge day and from its launch it has been very successful. Our supporters and sponsors are tremendously generous. Every penny raised goes to Manorlands.”

The 27 teams taking part in the day-long event raised £40,735 after having tested their skills in a series of challenges including a Land Rover experience, clay pigeon shooting, archery, golf driving, falconry and “human football”. They enjoyed a hog roast at the end of the day.

The day was organised by Manorlands’ regional fundraisers Rachel Cunningham and Carly Brunskill.

Rachel said: “The Bannister family very generously donated the use of the hotel, estates facilities, staff, and all the food and drink for the whole day.

“The amount raised would not have been possible without the kind support of the family, the hotel staff, and the Land Rover Experience, Coniston shooting ground and Coniston Falconry.

“There were some fantastic auction lots including a shooting package at the Coniston shooting ground which sold for £2,300.”

It brought the total funds raised over the five years to £172,470.00