Two voluntary organisations have pledged that their rescue work will not be hit despite losing a major funding source next year.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA), at Grassington, will both miss out on a share of more than £20,000 because of the cancellation of Broughton Game Show.

Organisers have scrapped the event, one of the biggest in the Craven summer calendar, because it clashes with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Skipton, on Sunday, June 24.

The game show, which has been held in the grounds of Broughton Hall for 32 years, is the major fundraising event of the year for both rescue organisations.

David Aynesworth, chairman of the show committee, said: “With lots of family events being planned for the town centre, we felt this would have a massive effect on show attendance, particularly as this event will draw people from many surrounding areas.”

A change of date was considered, but some of the main attractions and traders said they were already booked up for alternative weekends. It was decided that putting on a sub-standard show could be detrimental for following years.

“We cannot risk not covering our substantial outlay so we have reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s event. The show will be back bigger and better in 2013 on June 30,” said Mr Aynesworth.

CRO chairman Jack Pickup said: “This is a major setback for us as it contributes a substantial amount to our running costs, which we will examine carefully to see if cutbacks can be made.

“We will look at other ways of raising funds. One such initiative has been setting up a Friends of the CRO Group, details of which can be found on the website cro.org.uk”

Ian Hook, chairman of UWFRA, said he hoped that some of the shortfall could be made up through a corporate dinner.

Both organisations stress that they will continue to provide the rescue service, wherever and whenever it may be.

Since the first show, in 1979, the event has raised around £300,000 for the two groups. It has only been cancelled twice – in 2001 because of a foot and mouth outbreak and in 2009 after flash flooding.

One of the organisers of the torch parade and sports festival said the show committee had not contacted them prior to making its decision.