BURCOT Grange Care Home in Blackwell has raised more than £700 as part of its annual garden party.

The home has held its summer garden party every year for more than 15 years, raising money for a mixture of larger charities and smaller local causes, with more than 200 people on the guest list from residents at the Grange, to friends and family members, neighbours, WI groups and church groups, families of past residents who have stayed in touch, and those who come into the home for day care and respite care.

Staff organised a giant marquee and high tea, with a charity raffle and tombola, as well as a plant sale, and a guess the weight of the cake competition.

There was also a chance to try out some yoga with instructor Jane Bishop, and a three piece jazz band performing.

Manager Vicky Osbourne, said: “It was lovely. It wasn’t really hot and it was dry and humid. It was just a nice temperature, especially for our residents who don’t like it too hot.”

Overall the garden party raised £730 which is set to go to Blackwell First School. The school building is currently undergoing construction work, and the money will go towards restoring a gargoyle of an ape at the top of the chimney on the front of the school, which is more than 200 years old.