A BUILDING society branch in Ilkley has given a cash boost to five local charities as part of celebrations to mark a milestone anniversary.

Yorkshire Building Society, on Station Plaza, joined branches across the country to celebrate 150 years of the society helping people save for their futures by calling on members of the public to nominate charities to receive £100.

The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation marked the occasion by giving away £150,000 as part of its annual Make a Difference Week, and five charities have received a share of the anniversary donation.

The charities benefitting, thanks to nominations from local residents, are: Manorlands Hospice, Remap, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Addingham Community First Responder and Heartstart Group, and Krishnamurti Foundation Trust.

Branch manager Lewis Wilkinson said: “Our annual Make a Difference campaign is always very popular, but this year we’ve been able to support more charities than ever before thanks to the Charitable Foundation’s generous donation to mark the society’s 150th anniversary.

“I’m delighted that five worthwhile causes in our area are part of the hundreds of local charities the society is supporting throughout the UK, and I’m sure the money will be used to make a positive difference in our community.”