THIS year's Bank Holiday Fete in Manor Gardens has helped raise £300 for Burnham Hospital.

Members of the Burnham Events Social Team (BEST) who stepped in to save the event, presented the cheque to Friends of Burnham Hospital this week.

Kathy Jones, chairman of BEST said: "I am delighted to be able to present this cheque to the Friends of Burnham Hospital.

"It was a very successful day, and this £300 is nearly 60 per cent of the money that was given to us by stall holders who made a contribution to the fete.

"I am pleased we were able to continue this long-standing tradition. I would like to thank the BEST team for all their efforts - it was a lot of hard work, but very enjoyable, and everything went well on the day."

Peter Burridge-Clayton, vice chairman of BEST added that thousands of pounds had been raised for good causes and that the Manor Gardens have already been booked for next year.

"We hope to keep the former hospital fete alive for many years to come," he said.

Chairman of Friends of Burnham Hospital Bernard Spilsbury added: '

"It was with a heavy heart that the Friends of the Hospital decided that we were no longer able to continue with the organisation of the Bank Holiday Fete.

"With a committee that was dwindling in numbers and, yes, getting older every year together with ever rising costs and burgeoning paper work we made the decision to look at other ways to fund raise that were within our physical capabilities.

"We were, therefore, very pleased when BEST stepped up and said that they would run the event.

"At that time they promised that they would make a donation to the Friends of the Hospital if they were in profit.

"Today, true to their word, they have met with us and given us this cheque for £300."

"As Friends, having a stall there was great. We are very grateful for this money and we will use it towards

the continuing provision of the drinks machine that is sited in the outpatients department."

The BEST team's next event is the Blitz in the Ritz which is a 40’s wartime evening of entertainment and food.

Guests are invited to dress up to the theme if they wish, it is on November 19th and tickets are on sale at £6.50

from the Ritz or the Toycupboard. There are only 20 tickets remaining so book early to avoid disappointment.