A MAGNIFICENT £3,600 was raised for Calderwood House at a recent charity event.

Organised by Lesley Thompson, following a visit to the Egremont hostel with her husband John, it attracted nearly 200 guests.

Artists included Avalon, Amy Morton, Dougie Congdon, Darcey & Jack and Julie-Ann Kelly who all performed free of charge. A huge range of prizes and donations were also given by the local community.

Lesley said: "I was overwhelmed by the kindness of Mayson Brothers who sponsored the £50 note which was won by Rebecca Neen who kindly donated the £50 back to the charity.'' £1,000 was also donated from Sarah's Star Fund, with a further £1,000 being donated by an anonymous benefactor on the evening.

Rachel Holliday, manager of Calderwood House and Terry O’Connell, chairman of the hostel, thanked all involved with the event held at Whitehaven Civic Hall.

Sadly, on the night Lesley announced her retirement from arranging charity fundraisers. It was agreed this would be a huge loss to the local community as she has helped raised thousands of pounds over the years.