The Cave Rescue Organisation is one of two teams that benefit from the game show

The planned arrival of the Olympic torch has scuppered the main fundraising event for two volunteer rescue teams.

The cancellation of a game show that would have clashed with the Olympic celebrations will leave the Cave Rescue Organisation and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association more than £20,000 worse off.

Organisers of the annual Broughton Game Show, near Skipton in North Yorkshire, decided to cancel this year’s event because the torch relay will come through the town on the same day as the planned event.

David Aynesworth, chairman of the show committee, said: “With lots of family events being planned for the town centre, we felt this would have a massive effect on show attendance, particularly as this event will draw people from many surrounding areas.

“A change of date was considered, but a number of main attractions and traders reported that they were already booked up for alternative weekends. It was decided that putting on a substandard show could be detrimental for following years.

“We cannot risk not covering our substantial outlay so we have reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s event.”

Over the past 32 years, the show, at Broughton Hall, has raised about £300,000 for the two teams, which carry out rescues both on the fells and in the caves and potholes of the Yorkshire Dales.

It has only been cancelled twice in the past: in 2001 during the foot and mouth disease outbreak and in 2009 after flash flooding.

Broughton Hall, venue for the game show. Photo: Alexander P Kapp CC-BY-SA-2.0

Jack Pickup, chair of the Clapham-based CRO said: “This is a major setback for us as it contributes a substantial amount to our running costs, which we will examine carefully to see if cutbacks can be made.

“We will look at other ways of raising funds. One such initiative has been setting up a Friends of the CRO group.”

Ian Hook, chairman of the Grassington-based UWFRA said he hoped some of the shortfall could be made up through a corporate dinner which he hoped business would support.

Paul Jackson, editor of show sponsors Dalesman magazine, added: “It’s a great shame that people will miss out on what is a quirky and enjoyable day but I understand that being part of the torch ceremony is for most people a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“The volunteers are the big losers, so I hope people who would normally attend the show will go out of their way during the next 12 months to support the teams’ other fundraising events.”

Both rescue teams were keen to point out their rescue service will continue.