THE Duke of York will crown a massive fundraising effort by Evening Press readers by officially opening St Leonard's Hospice's new £2 million extension, the Evening Press can reveal today.

He will cut the ribbon at its new in-patient annexe, in Tadcaster Road, on July 10.

The Evening Press Hospice 2000 Appeal helped St Leonard's reach its £2 million target last year following a two-year fundraising campaign.

The new inpatient annexe has beds for 20 patients, mostly in single rooms with en-suite facilities, for the first time.

Meanwhile, its original buildings, opened in 1985, have been enlarged and transformed to create a new day care centre, out-patient clinics, family accommodation and therapy areas.

St Leonard's chief executive Steven Harker said: "We're thrilled that the Duke of York has accepted our invitation to visit these splendid new buildings that everyone has worked so hard to provide for our patients.

"The annexe and completed redevelopment is the most significant step forward for hospice care in the area since we opened.

"The official opening by His Royal Highness will be a fitting culmination of many years of planning and fundraising." The Duke will spend a short time at the Hospice, meeting patients, families and staff and some of those involved in the fundraising for the appeal. On the same day the Duke will also be the guest of honour at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society said he would spend about three hours looking around the show meeting exhibitors, visitors, and society representatives.

Honorary show director Christopher Hall said: "We are absolutely delighted that His Royal Highness is able to come to Harrogate, the heart of his county.

"His visit could not be more appropriate and will give everyone a real boost. We're very much looking forward to showing him what is one of the best agricultural events in the country."

* On Monday a 21-gun Royal salute will be fired in York's Museum Gardens to celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh's birthday. The salute begins at noon.

Updated: 08:48 Friday, June 07, 2002