CHARITIES in Ilkley could get their hands on a share of £100,000 in a building society's big giveaway.

The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation supports registered charities which help to alleviate poverty, improve health and save lives - with donations ranging from £250 to £2,000 for a specific purpose.

The building society's members can recommend their favourite charity for a donation by visiting their local branch.

Anthony Pinder, Manager of the Ilkley branch, on Station Road, said: "As a mutual organisation, we’re committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the community here in Ilkley. There are lots of wonderful charities which make a real difference to peoples’ lives and we want to support their work.

"We know it can be hard for charities to find the funding they need – especially the smaller, local ones which rely on donations and local volunteers. So we’re inviting our members to recommend those charities which need a helping hand."

The Charitable Foundation is funded through the Small Change Big Difference scheme where members donate the pennies from the interest on their accounts just once a year to help smaller charities around the UK.

Since it was established in 1998, the Charitable Foundation has donated more than £7million to causes around the UK.

Applications to the Charitable Foundation are reviewed by its Trustees and successful charities will receive donations in October. Members can visit www.ybs.co.uk/charitablefoundation to recommend a charity for a donation.