MORE than 500 people flocked to Rowcroft Hospice’s HQ for a summer garden party in aid of the charity at the weekend.

Visitors braved the torrential downpours and headed to the hospice’s Avenue Road-base for the event, which drummed up in excess of £5,000.

Entertainment on the day came from the Newton Abbot Ukulele Orchestra, face painting, outdoor bowling, stalls and swing band Odd’s and End’s.

The impressive total raised will go towards the hospice’s work to support thousands of families living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.

Mark Hawkins, the charity’s chief executive, said: ‘On behalf of all the staff and volunteers at Rowcroft Hospice I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who attended the garden party on Saturday.

‘It was fantastic to welcome you all to our beautiful grounds and the total raised will make a great difference to local families facing the hardest days imaginable.

‘More than 70 per cent of our funding comes from the community so it was fantastic to be able to celebrate with you all, while raising vital funds.’