Gardeners, diners and store owners have served up a fundraising treat for a much-loved East Hampshire charity.

There was a show of stirring support for the Rosemary Foundation on Saturday, June 21, as around 80 people joined the Nurses’ tea party in Liss Pavilion.

Cream teas, cakes and nibbles were served with further highlights including a raffle and a prize-giving twist on heads or trails with a bottle of prosecco for the winner.

But the good cause also received a three-course treat of their own, with the event raising close to £1,000 and organisers of an open garden event in Headley handing over two cheques.

Guests heard that homes who have taken part in the National Open Gardens Scheme in the village near Bordon also raised money for the Rosemary Foundation through the lunches in the church centre and raffle proceeds.

Their efforts raised more than £2,520 for the charity with Christine Leonard, head of the Headley group, handing over the cheque along with £100 from a generous visitor at the tea party. There was also a big thank you to four Headley-area firms with Budgens Headley Down donating £250 and the Royal Oak Passfield, Crown Arford and Chocolate Frog all donating prizes.

She said: “We strongly support the Rosemary Foundation because, as we get older, we might actually need them – it’s worth supporting them and the fantastic job they do.”

Damian Hinds MP also attended and led a round of applause for the Petersfield-based charity.

He said: “Everybody knows for the charitable sector and the hospice and pallative care, it’s been a difficult time both financially, especially with tax changes.

“What Rosemary does with hospice at home is very, very special because people generally do want to stay at home and enabling that to happen really is life affirming.