The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire will launch Craven’s 2012 Relay For Life this weekend.

Lord James Crathorne, the Queen’s personal representative in the county, will open the round-the-clock charity event where hundreds of cancer patients, survivors and supporters are expected to gather to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Now in its third year, the event is organised by Skipton -based all-female fundraising force Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies.

Cancer patients from Craven and the surrounding areas will join family, friends and local businesses to walk for 24 hours round a track illuminated by 500 candle bags made and decorated by local school children.

The event, which kicks off at 2pm tomorrow and ends at 2pm on Sunday, takes place in the grounds of historic Broughton Hall and is the group’s main annual fundraising event. Other activities taking place at the relay include keep fit classes, dance and live entertainment.

Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies was set up by hotelier Karen Weaving in 1998 to raise money for research into childhood cancer. Since then the group have raised nearly £900,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Karen, who runs Skipton’s Rendezvous Hotel with husband Malcolm, said: “The Relay For Life is a truly inspiring event which unites cancer patients, their friends, families and supporters across North Yorkshire and the Ribble Valley. We’re very grateful to Roger Tempest for making part of Broughton Hall Estate’s stunning grounds available to host this year’s Relay for Life.

“Anyone in the area who has been affected by cancer or wants to support our fundraising is welcome to join us – there’s still time for people to register teams for the relay. We’re also keen to hear from local organisations and businesses that may be able to support the event,” she added.

Donations to the relay or to Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies can be made by texting RVWR50 and an amount of £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.

The group organise fundraising events throughout the year. For more information visit ribblevalleyandwhiteroseladies.co.uk or contact Mrs Weaving on 01756 700100.