GAZETTE charity of the year Julia's House has been bowled over by a flurry of support from Wiltshire clubs and organisations.

Among those pledging to support the charity, which will open a new children's hospice in Devizes next year, is Wiltshire Cricket. It has chosen Julia's House as its official charity partner and will be holding a number of fundraising events.

Development manager Pete Sykes said the organisation, which has just moved into new headquarters in Chippenham, was delighted to support the charity.

On Saturday (14) the Devizes Friends of Julia's House will be making the most of big crowds that are likely to gather for Devizes Food and Drink Festival.

The market place will be taken over by a wide range of foodie stalls and the friends will be asking people to guess the weight of a cake.

Friends chairman Alison Radevsky said: "The cake is being made by Ally Ruscoe and we are expecting it to be pretty impressive. We will also be selling Duplo bricks, giving away balloons and doing some little face-painting, using the teddy bear logo on children's cheeks."

The friends are raising money for the new hospice by selling bricks and then the plastic building blocks will be used by children who are looked after at the new complex.

Work has now started on converting two old buildings that were once part of the Kennet District Council offices into a welcoming oasis for children and their families.

The work of the hospice is also being supported by Devizes Conservative Club which is to hold a bingo night on May 20 for the charity. Entry for the evening at the club in Long Street costs £1 and then £3 for a book of seven games. Organisers are also looking for auction prizes.

Entry from 7.30pm for eyes down at 8pm. Cash prizes will be given out and refreshments will be available.