Shopping extravaganza in aid of the Butterwick Hospice

The event, at Hardwick Hall, near Sedgefield, County Durham, continues from 10am today and features a range of specialist food and craft stalls.

It was officially opened by Lady Elsie Robson and it is hoped the event will become a regular feature on Butterwick’s annual fundraising calendar.

Lady Robson said: “Organisations which take care of those with lifelimiting illnesses and their families, like the Butterwick, deserve our support, and I hope the event is a great success.”

Jackie Firth, from Butterwick, said: “We would like people to come down and have a look round the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere of the lovely hotel. We have got all sorts of stalls selling specialist wines, cheese and game.

“The Bishop Auckland hospice alone costs £800,000 a year to run, which is a lot of money to find, so we are always looking for new initiatives.

“We have just set up a text donation service which we had looked at in the past but previously too much money went to the network providers.

“Now if people text us it will cost £2, plus their standard network rate, and at least £1.76 goes to the hospice.”

To donate, text Butterwick to 70099.