Members of the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies will welcome the Duke of Gloucester to their next lunch on September 9th.

Now, the group, formerly the Ribble Valley Ladies' Luncheon Club, is calling for new members to join and meet the Duke.

The charity began life in the Ribble Valley based at the Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn. It is still headed by Clitheroe businesswomen Irene Chenery and Carol Maher, but now holds most of its meetings at The Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton, owned by group secretary Karen Weaving and her husband, Malcolm, who are supporters of the charity.

Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester is president of Cancer Research, the fund to which the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies regularly contribute.

The lunch will be a celebration of the drive and resilience of youth, with inspirational young visitors invited to meet the Duke, including Yorkshire's runner up in the BBC's "The Apprentice". Claire Young will attend the event before her appearance as speaker at Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies annual ball on October 10th.

Reminding everyone of how worthwhile and appreciated these fund-raising efforts are, will be 13 year-old Child of Achievement, Lauren Richmond, of Barnoldswick. She was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 1999 and will meet the Duke, having successfully fought the disease.

For details on how to support the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies or for tickets to the lunch contact Mrs Weaving on 01756 700100.