A GROUP of international leaders have vowed to return to Craven after the ‘visit of a lifetime’ which saw them drifting along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and visiting Skipton Castle and Malham Cove.

Members of the Network for Transformational Leaders flew in from four continents, from countries including the United States, South Africa, Australia, Iceland and France, for a five day summit at Broughton Hall.

Organiser and member, Gina Lazenby, from Skipton, said it had been hugely successful with the group taking over Broughton Hall and everything it has to offer, including the staging of a masked ball.

“As much as I had used a lot of hyperbole to describe my beloved town and county, everybody’s reaction was ‘wow, amazing’”, she said. “ I still undersold this beautiful corner of the world. Nobody wanted to leave.”

She added: “All the serious business meetings were ultra relaxed because of the extraordinary, beautiful atmosphere and comfort of Broughton Hall itself. “The delegates said their highlights were the fascinating guided tours of Skipton Castle; the treasures within the famous market and High Street; the lazy drifting down the historic canal; and the early morning dawn visit to Malham Cove before the crowds discovered its majesty.

“Taxis and minibuses were hired to drive everyone through the Dales and all agreed the scenery was breathtaking, and so unique to Yorkshire. “

Dr David Paul from Sydney, Australia, commented: “The verdant green hills, the stunning variations of light with the ever changing hues of colour; all made this area an unmissable gem”.

Meanwhile, favourite of all was a masked ball in Broughton’s grand drawing room featuring local musicians and a Ceilidh band.

Marcia Martin, from Florida, USA, the network’s co-founder, said “ I couldn’t have been more delighted. What an extraordinary and beautiful area to host one of our most important events.

“The people are wonderful, the land and sites are exquisite - some people told me Yorkshire is like heaven and I totally agree. Thank you Skipton for the visit of a lifetime. I will return for sure, and I plan to bring friends with me. What a perfect place on earth. Thank you so much to Broughton Hall and the town for your hospitality.”