A FLURRY of new estate agent boards have sprung up in Menston, Guiseley and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Menston-based estate agents Ribston Pippin put up 30 new boards overnight last week - but not because of a sudden exodus of homeowners.

Instead, the mock boards are part of a charity drive for St Gemma's Hospice.

The company, run by co-owners Andy and Lisa Greer, has signed up to be a fundraising partner for the hospice.

It is donating £10 to St Gemma's for each new stunt board - which are going up outside the properties of the contacts and friends - it installs.

The scheme has already raised £300 for the cause which is once close to Lisa's heart, as her grandmother was cared for by the hospice in her final days.

She said: "I can't thank St Gemma's Hospice enough for everything they did for me and my family.

"We want to say a huge thank you and let them know that their amazing work doesn't go unnoticed.

"The initiative has been really well received and we’re excited to see how much we can raise for them this year.

"As we help people find their perfect homes, they can now also feel proud that they are helping those in need feel at home at St Gemma’s."

The local community has been quick to back the move.

Menston resident Ian Cunningham called up to ask for a board, and told Ribston Pippin it was “a fantastic idea, a really good community initiative".

Local homeowner Pippa Richardson is another supporter. She said: "This sounds like a great idea - maybe it could encourage other local businesses to follow your lead too!

"We're happy to have a board to support this, well done."

Though its hospice is based in Leeds, St Gemma's also has a team of Community Nurse Specialists who treat hundreds of people, from across West Yorkshire, in their own homes.

The charity receives some funding from the local Clinical Commissioning Group but still needs to raise millions each year to meet its annual running costs.