ILKLEY Carnival has paid out £15,000 to 15 local beneficiaries - including £7,500 to LS29 Special Needs Support Group.

The cheque was presented by the Ilkley Carnival committee to LS29 parents and children and representative beneficiary Robin Beaumont from Ben Rhydding De Mohicanen Scout and Guide Group outside the Kashmiri Aroma restaurant, home of the event’s main sponsor based in Burley In Wharfedale.

Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey said: “It’s a real pleasure to hand over officially the full £15,000 raised at this year's Ilkley Carnival to so many local beneficiaries which alongside LS29, includes Christchurch, Ben Rhydding Sports and Cricket Club, Ilkley Stroke Group, Ilkley Rugby Club and Ilkley In Bloom.

“It’s fitting that the money raised is handed out in this post Tour de France week, as it closes the last chapter of our Yorkshire Tour themed event. Next year we're looking for even more input from our schools to help decide the 2015 theme so look out for updates online and in the local press.”

Karen Goodman, co-founder of LS29 which provides support and fun for children with all types of special needs and was nominated the event’s primary beneficiary, said the £7,500 raised will go towards continuing to provide activities for children with special needs and their families.

She added: “We’re so grateful for the money raised from Ilkley Carnival. The spirit of 'The Yorkshire Tour' has been infectious and we are keen to introduce the LS29 children to a variety of accessible and inclusive sports. We are planning a whole range of outdoor adventure activities, which will benefit over 200 children with special needs and their siblings”

Main event sponsor from Kashmiri Aroma, Tariq Mahmood added: 'This really was Ilkley's biggest and best carnival and as the main sponsor, it is an absolute delight to know so much good will be done locally as a result of all the community support and involvement. We're already looking forward to next year!'