RETIRING licensees Phil and Rosemary Cook hope their final charity fundraiser will be a huge success.

The couple, who have been mine hosts at the Slaters Arms in Bradley for more than 15 years, have organised a car treasure hunt across the Dales as their swansong.

They have raised nearly £40,000 over the years for the Movember charity, which tries to improve men's health by raising funds and awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

They launched their fundraising after friend, Jim Thompson, was diagnosed with prostate cancer – he is currently in remission – and their efforts have included a nude calendar and fire-walking.

But Phil, who celebrates his 57th birthday in October, told the Herald: "We have been in the licensed trade for 35 years, but we are getting older and want our lives back.

"In any case, my wife told me it was the pub or her!"

From Barnsley, the couple ran two pubs in Bradford "before seeing the light and moving to Skipton", where they were in charge of the Albion Inn for four years. They then moved to the Slaters, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008.

"We have loved every minute and we have met some good friends," added Phil.

New licensees Neil and Natalie Barlow, from Cononley, are expected to take over the pub towards the end of August. But Phil and Rosemary will not be going far – they plan to take a break and then look for a bed and breakfast business in the area.

Meanwhile, the treasure hunt will take place on Sunday and will leave the Slaters at 11.45am. However, as the £5 per person entrance fee includes a pie and peas meal at the end, participants are asked to register beforehand by calling the pub on 01535 632179.

The post-hunt celebration will also include live music from Silsden band Chill Pill.