A Darlington retirement village has raised hundreds of pounds for a North East baby hospice by hosting a 'Grand Luncheon'.

Middleton Hall Retirement Village's fundraising event brought in nearly £800 for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough.

The luncheon was held on September 13 in the grounds of the retirement village in Middleton St George and was attended by residents, friends, local business members, and representatives of Zoe’s Place and Middleton Hall Retirement Village.

Guests were welcomed with glasses of prosecco on the lawn, followed by a three-course buffet, including a fruits de mer platter.

A saxophonist entertained the guests throughout the lunch, and two professional singers made a surprise appearance as coffee was served.

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Tickets for a fundraising raffle were sold throughout the afternoon, offering a range of prizes donated by the village's suppliers and local businesses.

After the event, residents and guests expressed their delight with the "excellent luncheon", "lovely food and entertainment", and the "wonderful occasion".

Ashleigh Wood, senior corporate and major donor fundraiser for Zoe’s Place Middlesbrough, said: "It was a fabulous afternoon.

"£792.50 is an incredible amount and one which we are extremely grateful for.

"To put that donation into perspective, it costs around £720 for 24 hours of care for one child."

Suzanne Graham, managing director of Middleton Hall Retirement Village, said: "It was such a memorable event and a perfect way to raise funds for a wonderful cause.

"Those who donated prizes were generous to a fault, as were our residents and guests with their spirit, sense of fun, and support on the day.

"A big thank you is due too to the Middleton Hall Retirement Village teams who made the event such a success.

"We are really looking forward to doing it all again."