A Skipton fundraising group is celebrating raising £1 million over 14 years with a visit from the Duke of Gloucester next week.

The Duke will be the guest of honour at Petal’s charity luncheon at the town’s Rendezvous Hotel on Tuesday.

Petal – formerly known as the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies – raise funds specifically for research into childhood cancers for Cancer Research UK.

Founding member Karen Weaving, who owns the Rendezvous Hotel with her husband, Malcolm, said: “We are extremely grateful, honoured and excited to have HRH The Duke of Gloucester join us to celebrate our biggest achievement yet.

“We are looking forward to sharing with him how extremely proud we are to support Cancer Research UK with our passion for fundraising research into childhood cancers to help beat children’s cancer sooner, giving families more hope for the future.”

Rebecca Lomax, Cancer Research UK’s regional manager, said: “I would like to thank Petal for their fantastic contribution to our vital work.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However we are only able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters.”