AN OTLEY based campaign to support hospital patients is preparing to hold its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Hug on a Tray provides cancer patients in the Bexley Wing of St James' Hospital, plus outpatients and visitors, with free 'goodie bags' of refreshments and snacks.

Run by Chevin Socialites, the scheme has also provided patients with free TV for the past 11 months.

On Saturday, June 2 soprano Bryony Burnham and tenor David Woods will perform A Little Night Music at Otley Parish Church to raise money for the cause.

The pair will perform a wide selection of pieces, including Brindisi from La Traviata, Bring Him Home from Les Misérables and Kiss Me, from Sweeney Todd - over two acts.

The evening starts at 7.30pm and costs £10, which includes a complimentary glass of wine and a programme, and will also feature a grand raffle.

Hug on a Tray organiser Lesley Noble is hoping lots of people will come along. She said: "We don't get many opera nights in Otley and this one should be great.

"As well as the wonderful music we'll have the new beer Paul Briscoe has made to celebrate Chippendale's 300th anniversary, Chippend'Ale, and cards of images by local photographer Steve Davey will be on sale.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

"The patients, which include a number of Otley residents, and families have been so grateful for the services we provide.

"I want to really thank the community for getting behind us because without their donations we couldn't continue."

Tickets for A Little Night Music are available from Browns Gallery and Otley Core.

They can also be booked by contacting the church on (01943) 465927, e-mail info@otleyparishchurch.org, or Lesley Noble on 07931 892747, e-mail leznoble@yahoo.co.uk .