FUNDRAISING efforts at Homeloan Management Limited have brought in a quarter of a million pounds.

The Skipton company has raised the money since 1999 and has used it to support a wide variety of local and national causes.

These have included Airedale NHS Trust, Candlelighters, Sparks, Craven Clear Cancer Appeal, Little SaODS Children's Theatre and Manorlands.

One of its latest projects was to sponsor a black labrador Guide Dog puppy named Sky, whose name was chosen following a staff competition at HML's offices in Skipton.

HML has its own fundraising group - Team HML - which has more than 800 members across the company's four sites.

It raises money through initiatives ranging from exhilarating activities such as skydiving and abseiling off the Humber Bridge to more mainstream pastimes such as dress down days, quiz nights and cake stalls.

HML matches all donations received by Team HML.

Paul Oxtoby, chairman of Team HML, said: "I'm proud of the work that so many HML staff do to raise money for charitable causes.

"Reaching the milestone of £250,000 is an impressive achievement and I must congratulate everyone involved on this outstanding achievement.

"HML remains committed to supporting this very worthwhile activity for the benefit of our friends not just in Skipton, but also in HML's other sites in Padiham, Londonderry and Glasgow."