WI members braved torrential downpours to raise more than £1,000 for Acorns.

The Rushwick and Bedwardine Women's Institute held a garden party at the end of the summer, but unfortunately "the heavens opened" and everyone got wet.

Despite that, the party raised £1,130 towards the planned hospice in Worcester's Bath Road.

"We sold tickets for the supper in advance and then we had all the usual attractions," said Jean Kennedy, who was joint-president at the time of the garden party.

Sally Sharp, also joint-president at the time, hosted the party in her garden, in Broadmore Green, Rushwick.

"We had a white elephant stall, home-made goods and a raffle, as well as boules and other games - it was great fun," added Mrs Kennedy.

"It was a lovely evening, despite the rain, and we raised a good sum."

Mrs Kennedy and Mrs sharp presented the cheque for £1,130 to an extremely happy Dorothy and John Todd, from Acorns.

The new president of the Rushwick and Bedwardine Women's Institute is Liz Morris, who was sworn in on Wednesday.