TWO women have organised a fundraising dance in memory of their best friend who died earlier this year.

Kate Reynolds and Lisa Simpson are raising cash for the Mental Health Foundation with a barn dance at Cockley Bank Farm in Wigglesworth on September 26.

They have organised the event to remember their friend Hilary Botwright, who died at the age of 25 in May after a battle with anoxeria.

She was a former Skipton Girls' High School pupil and was the younger daughter of Anna and Adrian Botwright, who retired as rector of Holy Trinity Church in Skipton in September 2013. Hilary obtained a first-class degree in sociology from Durham University and had spent a year travelling the world.

Kate, 26, who was brought up in Giggleswick and now lives in Bristol, and Lisa, 24, of Wigglesworth, are both former Settle High School students.

Kate said: "The three of us became close friends working at the Coniston Hotel.

"Lisa and myself want to raise cash for the Mental Health Foundation in memory of Hilary, and also to raise awareness of mental health issues.

"We also wanted to organise something in the community, and the level of support we have had already has been amazing – everyone wants to help."

The dance features local band The Blethermen and there is a licensed bar organised by the Hart's Head Inn at Giggleswick and Skipton's Copper Dragon Brewery, with all profits going to the charity.

Kate and Lisa are expecting about 200 people to attend, and tickets, priced £10 each or £5 for children, are available at the Hart's Head or from Lisa on 07583 740015.

Kate has also secured a place in next year's London Marathon, in April, and will be running in aid of the Mental Health Foundation.