The Duke of Gloucester, patron of Cancer Research UK, has thanked Skipton-based charity Petal for raising £1 million for the cause.

And, on Tuesday, he was guest of honour at a special celebration lunch at the town’s Rendezvous Hotel.

It was held to mark the charity’s achievement in raising £1 million over 14 years.

“We are ecstatic,” said founder Karen Weaving, who owns Rendezvous with her husband, Malcolm. “It will spur us on to raise our second million.”

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

The lunch was attended by 159 members, supporters and civic dignitaries, who were entertained by teenage opera singer Grace O’Malley.

For more pictures of the event, see the social page in next week’s Craven Herald.