PEOPLE are being invited to put on their dancing shoes to help a charity that protects valuable pieces of land around Richmond.

The Richmondshire Landscape Trust was set up in 2003 to safeguard almost 88 acres of land then being sold by Richmondshire District Council.

That included an area on Sleegill facing towards the castle; the south bank of the River Swale between the Falls and Mercury Bridge; Jack King’s Wood and the ancient pasture lands of Westfields.

After public consultation, the land was sold to the trust for £120,000 and the purchase cost was raised over the years by the charity’s fundraising arm.

The land is now fully accessible to the public and enjoyed by many for recreational purposes however the trust is still fundraising to maintain and improve the land in its care.

And it has organised a fund-raising event in Richmond Cricket Club on March 21 at 7.30pm. It will feature the popular ceilidh band Blind Panic and a light supper will be served.

Spokeswoman Elaine Wood said: “The family ceilidh has become one of the key events in our fundraising calendar.

“It is hugely popular with all ages and we get everyone from toddlers to grandparents on the dance floor. We are hoping that as many people will join us as possible for a really fun evening.”

Tickets for the ceilidh cost £10 for adults, £5 for children under 16 or £25 for a family of two adults and two children.

They are available in advance from Veronica Robson on 01748 824218, the Castle Hill Bookshop and the Tourist Information Centre.