BIG hats and even bigger bets were put on for Ladies Day at Worcester Racecourse at the weekend, but the main emphasis was on charity.

Crowds turned out in style, and in sunglasses, because the sun shone brightly for the annual St Richard's Hospice special event.

Tricia Cavell, St Richard's community fundraising manager, hailed the day a galloping success.

She said: "It was a full house as usual and we are hoping we have raised nearly £15,000.

"Tickets were snapped up very quickly and lots of people have been extremely generous, donating lovely auction and raffle prizes.

"It's also a great excuse for ladies to dress up for the day and there were some wonderful outfits."

St Richard's is currently based in Rose Hill, Worcester and building work is well under way on the new hospice in Spetchley, which is to open to patients in October.

One of its patrons is racehorse owner Jim Lewis, of Callow End, Worcester.

Last year Jim lost his beloved wife Val to cancer soon after his racehorse Best Mate, the three-times winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, died on the course at Exeter.

A Valerie Lewis Memorial Race took place at Pitchcroft at 4pm and Jim's daughter, Sam, and granddaughter, Georgie, joined him. He said: "It was a fitting honour and I was delighted to be there. It was a wonderful day for St Richard's and the weather did us proud."

The Malvern band Saxophonics played to the crowd for free. Bandleader Louisa Davidson said: "My mum was in a hospice elsewhere in the UK and I think St Richard's is a deserving cause. This is my way of doing my bit to help."

Phillip Serrell, of television's Flog It and Bargain Hunt, ran an auction with lots including racing memorabilia, visits to racing yards, spa days and theatre trips. There was also an on-course raffle.