CHARITY auction organised in memory of a former young farmers’ club member in North Yorkshire has raised over £10,000 for a Multiple Sclerosis group.

Before her death dairy farmer Wendy Howarth, from Wilton, near Pickering, had a long association with Snainton Young Farmers’ Club, first as a member and then as a mother.

Wendy never let her diagnosis of MS stand in her way of helping out the club, which said raising the money in her name was the “least we could do”.

The local farming community came together to give prizes for the charity event which was held at Pickering Recreational Club and conducted by Will Tyson from Cundalls auctioneers.

A grand total of £10, 287.90 was raised and members of Snainton Young Farmers’ Club and the Howarth family gathered for a formal cheque presentation to the MS Society York, Ryedale & District Group.

Representatives of the group gave a talk to the club members about the work of the society before formally receiving the cheque.

Pippa Jackson, secretary of Snainton Young Farmers’ Club, said: “Wendy had done a huge amount to help out with young farmers throughout the years and this was the least we could do to say our thank yous.

“We would like to thank Will Tyson for auctioneering and everyone for all their help and donations of auction lots and raffle prizes - and of course all those who so generously bought items.”

Auction lots included a calf (from the Howarth family), shooting, stays in holiday cottages and many more.