FUNDRAISERS have given another massive cash boost to the Kirkwood Hospice.

The Dalton hospice's Kirkheaton Support Group presented £7,190 to Kate Leadbeater, fundraising events co-ordinator for the Dalton-based hospice.

And the total sets a new record for the group - beating its previous best amount raised in 2003 by £10.

The group raised the cash by holding events throughout 2004 - including Easter, summer and Christmas fairs and a chocolate making evening.

About £1,000 came from donations from Kirkheaton residents.

Freda Trigg, group secretary, said: "Lots of people in the village do save their money and give it to us.

"The biggest donation this year was £500. It does help us a lot."

The group has 20 members and started raising funds for the hospice 22 years ago.

Initially the funds were used to build the hospice, then when it opened 18 years ago funds went towards its running costs.

It costs about £2m a year to run the hospice, which is funded entirely from donations.

* The group has just raised a further £790 for the hospice by holding an Easter fair at Kirkheaton Liberal Club. There were stalls, a raffle and a fresh flower arranging demonstration. The finished arrangements were also raffled off.