A FAMILY fun day held by Durham’s High Sheriff to mark the end of her year in office was a bit of a wash-out thanks to poor weather.

Caroline Peacock, who is due to pass on the baton to new High Sheriff Stephen Cronin at a ceremony today, held the event at her home at Ravensford Farm, in Hamsterley, near Bishop Auckland.

Despite the poor weather, the event went ahead on Saturday but did not attract a big crowd.

Mrs Peacock said: “It really was miserable and the turnout was poor. I can’t blame families for not wanting to bring their children out on a day like that.

“Those people who did come were very generous.

“Unfortunately we didn’t raise the funds we were hoping to but if anybody would like to send in a contribution to one of the charities that would be very kind.”

She is supporting eight local charities; Bishop Auckland-based Change, Grow, Live, veterans charity Sporting Force, Free the Way, which supportss those affected by drug and alcohol misuse in Seaham, St Margaret’s Centre in Durham, The Lighthouse Centre in Stockton, Age UK Darlington, prisoners charity NEPACS and Durham Agency Against Crime.