FAMILIES helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity by having fun in the sun at the Prospect Garden Fete.

The event, which was held at the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton , saw hundreds of people enjoying food, stalls and entertainment on Saturday.

Gifty Tawiah, Prospect Hospice community fundraiser, helped to run the event and said it had raised about £8,000.

“We have had a great turnout. It is a traditional garden fete, which is good for all the family. Like all things we do, it is about raising money to keep the hospice going,” she said.

“It is great to see so many people supporting us. We have got an army of volunteers helping out.”

The day included a break-the-china competition, bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, barbecue and cakes. Jane Lane, of Wroughton, was at the fete with her grandchildren Ollie Todd, nine, and Libby Watkins, seven.

“My husband died here. We support the hospice a lot because they have supported us. They provide absolutely amazing support, it is always here,” said Jane.

“You can draw from it and put back into it. It is lovely to have my grandchildren here with me too.”

Prospect Hospice supports more than 1,800 patients and their families every year. It needs more than £5.4million a year, with just a quarter of funding coming from statutory sources, so they are largely dependent on the support of the local community.

Millie Andersen, 11, her sister Isabel, six, and Ollie Shimell, 10, helped to raise funds by taking donations for knitted cuddly toys. They raised about £50 in their first hour and continued collecting more during the afternoon.

Swindon Brass entertained the crowds with renditions of well-known songs, including New York, New York. Jean Freebury, of Old Town , was at the event with her daughter, Claire.

“I have come today to help with the funds and have a look around.

“They do brilliant work here, if the occasion came and I needed support from someone, I know I could rely on them,” she said. Thamesdown Transport provided a free park and ride service from Nationwide to the hospice on the day.