VILLAGE community groups have benefited by a share of £12,000 which was raised by last May's annual Malham Safari.

Th event, which has been run annually for more than 15 years, sees villagers in Malham create life-sized animal models - and some live animals - which are then positioned around the village with the aim of attracting visitors to the area.

Malham's primary school, chapel and church have each received £3,000, while a further £1,000 each was given to Kirkby Malham and Malham Village Halls to help with refurbishment work.

Safari chairman Geoffrey Swales said: "Malham Safari 2017 was very successful and it is testimony to all the hard working volunteers that we managed to raise such an amount of money”

“As well as providing a great family day out the funds raised are essential to help sustain local community hubs such as village halls, places of worship and the primary school.”

This year's event will run from Saturday, May 26 to Wednesday May 30, and will have the theme of 'Around the World in 80 Days.'

Mr Swales added: "This year we are planning plenty of additional entertainment for the whole family - morris dancers, magic shows, axe-throwing, various bands. And the real live animals are back again by popular demand!”

He is pictured presenting a donation to Sarah Peel, former acting headteacher of Kirkby Malham Primary School.