PEOPLE across the district came together at the weekend to remember murdered Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox.

The Great Get Together saw tens of thousands of events throughout the country, bringing people together in memory of Jo.

Inspiration behind the initiative was the message in the Labour MP's maiden speech in Parliament, that "we have more in common than that which divides us".

Families in Skipton joined a community picnic in Airevill Park organised by the Friends of Aireville Park.

Sharon Jefferies, of the friends group, said it had been a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together.

“Jo Cox was a wonderful and inspirational women and Aireville Park is the perfect location in Skipton for everyone to come together to celebrate what makes our community great and to remember all the things we have in common," she said.

"In true Jo style we had families from all over town coming together, sharing food, laughing, playing and enjoying our shared green space. We all had a lot of fun."

People were asked to draw a picture illustrating what they felt united and brought them together.

The Friends of Aireville Park are currently on a fundraising campaign to raise £100,000 towards a new children’s play area. Donations can be made online at: localgiving.org/charity/friendsofairevillepark/

Skipton Soroptimists hosted an afternoon tea as part of the weekend's The Great Get Together.

Skipton Mayor, Andy Rankine, mayoress, Angela Rankine, deputy mayor, Alan Hickman, and his wife, Marie, were amongst the almost 40 people to attend the event at the home of Skipton Soroptimist member Jill Spensley.

Soroptimist president, Jane Jolly, welcomed the guests, and both councillors spoke about the importance of remembering Jo Cox.

They were told how much she had achieved before her death, and £315 was raised through donations and a craft stall for the charity Hope Not Hate.

Staff and volunteers at Airedale Hospital also held a Great Get Together event.

They took a break and met-up in one of the hospital's courtyards to share lunch.

Also present were representatives of social housing group Incommunities, which has donated a picnic bench – made by its apprentices – to the Steeton site.

Michael Smith, head of employee health and wellbeing at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Jo Cox was an inspirational MP and she worked hard to bring communities together.

"With nearly 3,000 staff we have our own community here at Airedale, but don't often get the chance to come together and have a chat.

"Jo's memory has inspired to change that and we encouraged our staff to take a break – even if it was just for ten minutes – to be part of this event and to find out what else we all have in common."

He added: "We're delighted with the picnic bench from Incommunities, which was a very kind gesture.

"Not only did it give us a focal point for our Get Together, it also means that staff can use it for lunch breaks which is good for their wellbeing, as it gets them away from their ward or computer."

Friday's gathering included a free raffle and cakes baked by colleagues.

Sue Laycock, Incommunities' director of human resources, said the group was delighted to be involved in the event and to donate the bench.

"Hopefully the bench will provide a relaxing spot for hospital staff to take a break and meet up with colleagues and it also serves as a fitting legacy to the inspiring contribution Jo Cox made in bringing together people from all walks of life," she added.