The Dartmouth Friends of Children’s Hospice South West organised a Christmas ‘Fayre’ in the Old Market on Saturday, December 2, which raised the sum of £761 for the Charity.

A spokesman for the Charity said: “The date seemed to be a very popular one for events locally so there was lots of competition for crowds and for stallholders.

“With 20 stalls this year, 7 less than usual, there was still a lovely, Christmassy atmosphere at the Fayre and the total raised showed that it was a very worthwhile venture. Items for sale included cakes, jewellery, weaving, wood, willow and other crafts, preserves, cards and more.

“The Dashing Devon Dukes, children from local primary schools, gave a splendid performance on their ukuleles and guitars, face painting was available and Lez the Fez did balloon sculpturing for children.”

All the proceeds will go to help Children’s Hospice South West to provide essential specialist care for around 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across the South West.

This care is wide ranging: respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care, in three hospices: Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset and Little Harbour in mid Cornwall, which means that no family has to travel more than 90 minutes to receive CHSW specialist care and support.

This care costs £9.5 million every year, of which only 15% is provided by government, the rest has to be raised by fundraising.

The Friends Group meet monthly to arrange fundraising events locally. For details of how to help please contact Sue Tweed at [email protected] or 01803 770730.