MANORLANDS is launching two new major events in the picturesque grounds of Bolton Abbey.

And organisers are urging the public to turn out in numbers to support the initiative.

Picnic at the Abbey on September 12 will be followed in the evening by Proms at the Abbey.

The picnic will run from 2pm to 5.30pm. There will be live acts on stage, big-screen entertainment from Justin Fletcher, a treasure hunt, meet-the-mascots and an extreme hook-a-duck contest.

The Last Night of the Proms will be broadcast live to the Bolton Abbey crowds from the Royal Albert Hall, but prior to that revellers will be entertained by Sultans of Swing, the Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band, award-winning classical singing duo Carmelina Bagarozza and Kay Langford and Steeton Male Voice Choir.

After a fireworks finale to the proms, classic covers band Night Patrol will perform until 11pm.

Manorlands-based Sue Ryder fundraiser and event lead, Andrew Wood, said: "We're delighted to be the first to utilise this stunning venue for such events, and we hope droves of people will come along to enjoy them, have a great time and support a very worthy local cause in the process."

People are welcome to take their own picnics for both events, but Sue Ryder has partnered with the newly-opened Keelham Farm Shop at Skipton to provide pre-ordered 'posh picnics', including blankets, chairs and a VIP gazebo pitch.

Guests buying tickets before August 31 will be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning a VIP package, including chauffeur-driven transport in a vintage car to and from the venue, a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne and a luxury Keelham Farm Shop hamper for four.

Tickets for the picnic event are £5 or £15 for a family of four, and there are various options for the proms.

Free parking will be provided.

Visit sueryder.org/picnicattheabbey for more details about the picnic and sueryder.org/promsattheabbey for the proms.

l Manorlands, at Oxenhope, provides care to people with life-limiting illnesses living across Airedale, Craven and north and west Bradford.

Every year the hospice has to raise over £1.6 million in donations to continue providing its specialist services.

Manorlands' community nurse specialists last year provided more than 2,795 home visits, nearly 200 people attended its day therapy unit and the bereavement team handled more than 1,380 phone calls.