A CRAVEN family will be climbing Africa's highest mountain to raise money for Manorlands.

Julie and Michael Whitaker, from Glusburn, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro with their sons Paul, Sam and Matthew.

The Whitakers have already carried out a successful street collection for the same good cause in Haworth Main Street, which raised £512.

The family fundraisers have dubbed themselves Team Angus, in memory of Mrs Whitaker's father Angus Smith, who died in February aged 88.

Mr Smith had lived in Bingley, but was cared for by the Oxenhope hospice before he died.

Mrs Whitaker said: "The Manorlands staff looked after all of us, not just my dad.

"We know they rely on charity, and this is why we want to give something back to them."

The group are planning to fly out to Tanzania on Boxing Day, and aim to reach Kilimanjaro's 5,895-metre summit on New Year's Day 2016.

As part of the build-up to the climb, Team Angus is carrying out further fundraising during the next five months, and staged a well-attended garden party in Glusburn on July 4.

The event, outside Mr and Mrs Whitaker's own home, featured music by local band The Big Bang, food, a raffle, charity auction and teddy tombola. About 100 people attended.

Mrs Whitaker, 56, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who came and I also want to thank our sponsors because they are what made it such a success. People were very generous and the weather was lovely.

"We think we should have raised nearly £2,000."

Team Angus intends to hold a ceilidh for Manorlands at the Glusburn Institute on October 24 from 7.30pm, and tickets, costing £10, are on sale at the institute.

Manorlands needs to raise £8,000 every day just to stay open.

Groups and individuals interested in supporting the hospice are asked to contact the fundraising team on 01535 640448. Its members can offer assistance, ranging from expert fundraising advice, materials, press publicity and promotion via social media.