A CBEEBIES star delighted youngsters at a garden party in memory of a little girl which raised £18,500 for charity.

Hundreds of families enjoyed the Ladybird Garden Party at Spetchley Park and Gardens on Monday featuring Katy Ashworth from I Can Cook.

It was organised by Jennifer and Gareth Kelly from Crowle, parents of four-year-old Grace who passed away in November 2014 from an aggressive form of cancer.

Spetchley was a special place for the family as it was where she learned to walk and was the last place she visited before she fell ill.

A number of complimentary tickets were given to oncology families and children from Acorns to enjoy a fun day out.

Mrs Kelly said: "It was wonderful.

"Grace loved Spetchley and Katy Ashworth so it was really fitting that the event was held there.

"We had 1,000 tickets available on the door, and all went.

"Hundreds of children and their parents enjoyed the shows with Katy Ashworth and there was an amazing atmosphere.

"The rain held off and, although blustery, the sun came out and shone on the garden party."

Children enjoyed face painting, penalty shoot outs with Worcester City Football captain Danny Jackman and archery with Paralympic medal holder Mel Clarke.

Mrs Kelly thanked Spetchley and sponsors Nicol and Co, Care UK, West Country Marquees and DRP.

She also thanked trustees Jon Purves, Rachel Purves, Victoria Billings, Kate Hall and Angela Robinson who helped organise the event.

The funds will be used for the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust to provide research grants into childhood cancer.

The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust is now a fully registered charity and is looking for people to get involved with fundraising as well as shops, cafes or pubs to place collection tins.

For more information, visit gracekellyladybird.co.uk