A BRATTON woman has praised the local community for coming to an open garden event that raised £700 for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

More than 80 people turned up to Tim and Jan Goode's garden in Melbourne Street on Sunday, for a natter, teas, coffee and home-made cakes.

After Gladys Drewett, of Lower Road, suggested to her friends that they do a tea party in aid of the hospice at their house, the Goode's gleefully agreed to be part of the hospice's Big Tea Party.

What made the fundraising effort all the more impressive, was the fact that three other tea parties had happened in the village in the last three days.

"I thought everyone would be fed up of tea and cake but thankfully they were not. I want to thank the people of Bratton for turning up in such great numbers and raising a lot for a wonderful cause," she said.

"There was a lovely atmosphere, people were very sociable and it was a lovely day to look around their wonderful garden.

"I would love to do something like this again. We could not have done this without the support of our generous villagers who had a great time.

"A few people I know locally have been treated at the hospice so we thought it was a good charity to support."