The cheque was handed over to Sally Crerar, head of fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research, by Margaret Pearson, long-termchairman of the Beverley Committee who announced her retirement at the meeting.

Mrs Pearson's departure comes as the committee have set a new precedent for future fundraising targets, having raised an average of £1,000 a week throughout the year.

The main contributors were a golf tournament at Hainsworth Park Golf Club, a collection at Beverley Race Course, music in the garden, a fashion show and a Sunday luncheon.

Other fundraising events included a flag day in Beverley, a collection at Morrisons, a Christmas coffee morning at Bishop Burton and a bridge luncheon.

Newly-appointed chairman Maria Bromley, of Tickton said: "Yorkshire Cancer Research is the most efficient regional cancer charity in the country. I have been on the committee for 18 years and Margaret is a hard act to follow, she's been a wonderful chairman, always been fair and has worked extremely hard."

Yorkshire Cancer Research thanked the public for their generous donations and support that will help fund research into the cause and cure of cancer.

Sally Crerar, head of fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research, added: "The committee are fantastic, they have good ideas and work extremely hard year on year to raise significant funds for the charity. They are one of 50 committees that raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and we are very, very grateful for their time and continued support."

Mrs Pearson plans to spend her free time with her six grandchildren, tending to her garden, and reading while the committee get busy organising their next fundraising event.

This is to be Music In The Garden at Cherry Burton from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday July 6 - more details to follow.