FUNDRAISERS in York have been getting busy to raise cash for good causes in the city.

A group of six youngsters have raised much-needed funds to help restore the Holgate Windmill.

They held a table-top sale of unwanted toys and their mums' baking, and raised £43.75 towards the mill's restoration.

Bob Anderton, the chairman of Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, said: "This welcome addition to our funds demonstrates the extent of local support for our cause.

"We look forward to the time when the restored mill can act as a valuable educational resource, and can give something in return to the younger members of our community."

Supporters of St Leonard's Hospice are planning two events to support the York-based charity.

The hospice will hold a "pamper evening" at the Marriott Hotel, in Tadcaster Road, on Thursday, May 24.

Then, just over a week later, the charity will hold a grand plant sale at its summer fair on June 3.

At the pamper evening, there will be a number of treatments on offer and it will also include demonstrations and information.

Tickets for the event, which begins at 6.30pm, cost £15 and are available by phoning the hospice's fundraising centre on 01904 777777.

The hospice is also appealing for its green-fingered friends to pot extra plants to help its summer plant sale.

It will take place at the St Leonard's Summer Fair at the hospice on Tadcaster Road, on Sunday, June 3, from 11am to 3pm.

Admission is £1 for adults, with children free.

Barbara McDonald, one of the volunteer gardeners, said: "People come from far and wide to our plant sale, which has a great reputation for excellent plants at bargain prices.

"To keep up the tradition, we need as many plants as possible, so we hope lots of local gardeners will set a few aside for us."

To offer home-grown plants, phone the hospice fundraising centre.

Meanwhile, auctioneer Malcolm Dowson is appealing for sponsors as he prepares for a 10km run to raise cash for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Malcolm, of Malcolm's No1 Auctions, in Sherburn-in-Elmet, hopes to raise more than £1,000 by taking part in the Jane Tomlinson's Run For All in Leeds on June 24.

Malcolm, who is now in training for the event, is the official auctioneer for the service and last year presided over an auction that raised £26,000 for the charity.

He said: "I would like to be up to £1,000, if possible. I would love to raise that if I can get enough sponsors."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Malcolm should phone him on 01977 684971.