MORE than a dozen good causes have been supported by a Cross Hills manufacturer in the past year.

And the company, Airedale Chemical, has pledged to maintain its community involvement.

The past 12 months have seen the Skipton Road firm raise funds for charity, donate defibrillators and inspire younger generations to consider careers in the chemistry workplace.

Employees coined-in £1,000 through a tuck box initiative, which provides refreshments to the workforce in exchange for donations.

Proceeds were shared between charities including Cancer Research UK, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice, the British Heart Foundation and Circus Starr, which provides free shows for vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

A sum was also given to the father of sales manager Heather Wells, for specialist healthcare equipment, with the company making a contribution.

And staff took part in the London Marathon and Great North Run in support of causes such as the MS Trust, Dementia UK and Dementia Friendly Keighley.

Managing director, Chris Chadwick, said: "Our staff are at the heart of this business, so we’re very involved in projects and funds which members of our team are passionate about."

Airedale Chemical donated three defibrillators to South Craven parish councils and deep-cleaned Cross Hills' public toilets.

Plus the firm continued to strengthen its links with Sutton Community Primary School.

Science books together worth £500 were donated to the school library, a themed poster competition was held, Madeline Lofthouse from the company visited the school as part of a careers week and year-four pupils were invited to the manufacturing site to learn more about science and take part in experiments.

Daniel Marr, head of marketing at Airedale Chemical, said: "We’ve thoroughly enjoyed building on our relationship with Sutton Community Primary School in 2018.

"Inspiring younger generations into this field is incredibly important to us, which is one of the key reasons we also got involved with the inaugural Bradford Manufacturing Week in October.

"Feedback we received from students and staff who took part in site tour and work experience days highlighted that sharing the career prospects of working in chemistry and manufacturing was really beneficial for them – and our staff loved taking part!"

Airedale Chemical undertakes community support projects through its charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation.

Mr Chadwick added: "We are looking forward to continuing our work with the local community, schools and supporting our staff in 2019."