A PICKERING farming family is supporting a neighbouring farmer in his bid to raise £25,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Douglas family from Wray House Farm at Marishes are hosting tours of the Ryedale Anaerobic Digester Plant on April 23 and 25 to raise money for Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café co-founder, Karl Avison, 60.

He will make history when he becomes the first person to compete in the Ride of Their Lives for a second time when he takes part in the Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse on June 15.

Mr Avison said: "We're very grateful to Mick, Gena and John Douglas who have kindly offered to host guided tours of the plant that converts farm waste and vegetation into electricity and saves 995 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per annum.

"They promise to be great evenings, with a behind-the-scenes tour from the cow shed to the AD plant followed by a barbecue supper. We're also very grateful to McClarrons for their generous support as headline sponsor of the tours."

The tours take place between 6.30 and 8.30 pm on Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25. Tickets cost £20 per person, including a BBQ supper and a beer, and are available from the Cedarbarn Farm Shop or can be reserved by calling 01751 475614.

The Muck & Magic events are part of a series of fundraising events that include sell-out Quiz and Race Nights, an Easter Egg Hunt, a Celebration Dinner sponsored by Moneyweb, a Family Fun Day sponsored by Victory Lodge of Freemasons 4042, a Dog Show, Wendy Harding's Pop-up Pilates sponsored by three60 marketing and pr and a Yorkshire Gin Festival. People can also donate directly to Karl's Just Giving Account at www.justgiving.com/page/karl-avison-1702934932256.

Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from a caravan 27 years ago and now is a thriving farm shop and café.

McClarrons is an independent insurance broker with offices in Malton and Hull and a nationwide reach. They offer insurance support and advice to businesses, farms, care organisations and private clients.

York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support continue to work in partnership to present the biggest charity race day in the UK and raise vital funds for people living with cancer.