AN AFTERNOON tea and fashion event has raised more than £6,000 for a hospice.

The event at Hartlepool's Grand Hotel featured a drinks reception, boutique shopping and fashion show, where local choir Mum's the Word took to the catwalk.

The choir have sung at countless charity events since they were founded in September 2011.

The money raised goes towards the £1.8 million of donations needed by Hartlepool & District Hospice each year, in order to provide vital services that improve the lives of people affected by life limiting illnesses and the death of loved ones.

It is the only service that cares for adults in the Hartlepool and East Durham area.

Carolyn Tilly, Partner at Tilly Bailey & Irvine, Law Firm, one of the sponsors of the event, said: “The hospice’s highly-trained staff provide essential care and support for people in the most difficult of situations. They are truly a credit to our town.”

Heather O’Driscoll, Managing Director of other sponsors Waltons Clark Whitehill accountants, said: “The hospice is an absolutely vital facility for Hartlepool and the surrounding communities. We had no hesitation in supporting it and would encourage others to do the same."

Sandra Britten, Deputy Chief Executive of Hartlepool Hospice, said: “We had a lovely afternoon and it was a pleasure to work with and welcome so many supporters of our work. Everything raised from the day will be used to fund the specialist palliative care services that we provide free of charge to patients and families throughout Hartlepool and East Durham.”