SMALL charities from across East Hampshire got a huge surprise at a tea party hosted by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).
Representatives from 26 charities were invited to the council’s offices by EHDC leader Cllr Richard Millard for an informal get-together with refreshments.
What they didn’t know was they would all be leaving with £500 to help them continue their vital community work.
Cllr Millard said: “I am absolutely delighted we were able to give back to the charities that give so much to our community, each one deserves recognition for their invaluable work. I’m glad that we could reward them with a small token of appreciation.”
Each year, all 44 EHDC councillors get £4,500 to put toward causes in their area, and the £500 each of the charities received on Thursday, April 26, was money unspent by the councillors.