A YORK hotel is hoping to make a big splash on Saturday when it throws open its doors for a gala fun day in aid of local charities, including St Leonard's Hospice.

Visitors to The Knavesmire Manor Hotel, Tadcaster Road, between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, will be able to use the hotel's indoor swimming pool, as well as enjoy a bouncy castle and other games.

The bar will be open and there will be a barbecue and strawberries and cream available.

The fun day is part of the hotel's year-long fundraising project to raise money for the hospice and for the Cats' Protection League.

General manager Maria Limbert, who has had two members of her family cared for in St Leonard's, said: "There will be lots to do at our gala fun day and we invite everyone to come along and help us raise funds for charity."

Also raising money for St Leonard's Hospice was Network Rail employee Nicola Suter, in memory of her mother Julie, who died in the hospice last November. A total of £1,100 was raised at a Northern Soul might, but Nicola is hopeful that the sum will be matched by her employer through its Partners in Giving scheme.

Nicola presented the money to nursing team leader Jocelyn Pearson at the company's offices at Hudson House in York.

Jocelyn was a member of the team that cared for Nicola's mother at the hospice.

Updated: 08:53 Friday, July 25, 2003