AN annual challenge day in aid of Manorlands was another massive success.

The event, at Coniston Cold, has become a huge fundraiser on the calendar of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

And this year’s extravaganza once again brought the cash pouring in.

A whacking £51,270 was raised.

Twenty-eight teams took part in the event, at the Coniston Hotel country estate and spa.

Companies represented included Timothy Taylor brewery, Primeur, McDowell’s Distribution and OPM Labels.

Participants were treated to a cooked breakfast at the hotel before heading out to compete in a range of activities across the estate.

Pursuits on offer included clay pigeon shooting, a 4x4 experience, archery, target golf and axe throwing.

There was also a climbing wall and inflatable stunt jump.

Afterwards, teams returned to the hotel for a hog roast supper and drinks reception on the terrace.

The event is organised by the Manorlands Challenge Committee, which paid tribute to the hotel for its support.

A spokesman said: “The huge amount of money raised would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the hotel owners – the Bannister family – the staff and the estate teams, which generously donate the facilities, staff time and all the food and drink for the whole day.”

Hotel director Louise Bolton said she was “thrilled” at the amount raised.

“This event is always a great opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause in a superb location – with fantastic facilities and a range of exciting activities,” she added.

“Many of the teams present on the day were regular corporate or leisure guests who trust us with their reward, recognition and team-building events.

“It was also pleasing to see new companies taking part, and they will most certainly be joining us again next year.

“I am thrilled that our fundraising efforts have amounted to such an amazing sum of money.

“A big thank-you goes to everyone who took part, our sponsors, the Challenge Committee and the team at the hotel.”

Harriet Wood, community fundraiser at Manorlands, said she was delighted with the success of the day.

She added: “It is such a popular event and it was great to see some new teams taking part this year, helping to support the hospice.

“However, it really wouldn’t be possible without the amazing network of people bringing it all together.

“The Challenge Committee works very hard to make its events a success and this year’s Coniston Challenge Day was no exception.”

For more details about entering a team next year, e-mail harriet.wood@sueryder.org.

The challenge day was the 11th for the hospice.

Last year, the amount raised by the committee since it was formed smashed through the £1 million mark.

The committee’s other major event is a hugely-successful annual Beef and Beer Dinner.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

Forthcoming fundraisers include the Bronte Sportive, on Sunday, July 21. Cyclists set off from Keighley College and have a choice of four routes, varying in distance from 29.2 miles to 93.1 miles.

The longest – the Heathcliff, dubbed the Bronte Monster – is recognised as one of the toughest sportives in the UK.