A RYEDALE support group has raised almost £24,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care over the past 12 months.

The latest figure brings the amount collected by the Marie Curie fundraising group for Kirkbymoorside since it was set up in 1999 to £277,875.

Chairwoman June Cook said she had decided to help support the charity after seeing its valuable work while working as a district nurse.

“I saw first hand the help and support Marie Curie gave terminally-ill patients and after I retired I wanted to do something to support them,” she said. “I got together a group of people who were interested in helping and we now have around 20 helpers, including many of the original members.”

June said that fundraising events ranged from cake stalls and car boot sales to tractor runs and quizzes. “We usually do about 10 events a year and we always make a point of thanking everyone who makes a donation whether it is £2 or £2,000,” she said. “Without the local support of the public we would not have been able to raise this fantastic amount and we have a lot of loyal supporters.”

June said all the money raised was used in the local area.

“We know money is tight at the moment and it is wonderful that people continue to be so very generous with their donations,” she said.

Town mayor, Councillor Chris Dowie, said: “It was a fantastic achievement.”