AN annual charity fundraising golf day in memory of Skipton man Trace Aldersley will be held later this month for the 17th time.

When Trace, who played rugby for Skipton and Wharfedale, died in 2008 at the age of 45, his friends decided to hold a golf day in his memory, little did they know it would still be going in 2024.

The first Silverback Golf Day was held at Bracken Ghyll Golf Club in Addingham and over the years has also been held at courses including Skipton, Keighley, Kirkby Lonsdale, and also Ripon and Kendal.

The winner each year is awarded the Silverback Trophy and presented with the green jacket - a bit like at the Masters tournament in America, but the jacket is actually Trace's green Wharfedale Rugby Club blazer.

Over the years, the events have raised more than £50,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, an achievement recognised two years ago when organisers Mick Riddiough and Alex Driver were presented with an award from the charity at a special event in York in recognition of the long running fundraising done on the golf days.

This year, the Silverback Golf Day will be held on Friday, August 16 at Keighley Golf Club, Howden Park, Utley, with more than 90 golfers and helpers expected to attend.

Mr Riddiough said; "At the earlier events the people there tended to be friends and family of Trace, we have now got to the stage where the younger attendees only know of his name through the golf day.

"Money raised has all gone to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we haven't closely kept track of exactly how much has been raised but its now well past £50,000."

He added: "Money is raised on the day through the sale of Silverback polo shirts which are kindly donated by Kit Gill of Corporate Leisurewear Clothing, donations/sponsorships of holes/longest drive/nearest the pin and other bits of daftness. We are always on the lookout for kindly donors as all the money goes to a good cause."

Donations can be made via: justgiving.com, by searching: Mick Riddiough is fundraising for Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity