A VILLAGE WI group is celebrating after raising £1,000 for Saint Catherine’s Hospice.

More than 70 people attended a special event organised by Appleton le Moors WI which smashed its fundraising target of £500.

The event took guests on a ‘Journey Across the World’ and was held in association with Spear Travels of Helmsley, which organised expert guest speakers to talk about destinations around the globe.

Guests were also given the opportunity to chat to long-haul, cruise and escorted tour experts as well as Spear’s well-travelled team of consultants.

A supper was provided by Helmsley-headquartered Thomas the Baker, which kindly provided a selection of party platters for the event, including its deli sausage rolls which recently won a gold star at the Great Taste Awards.

Helmsley’s Saint Catherine’s Hospice charity shop was also present with rails of quality second-hand holiday clothes.

Carolyn Frank, who organises the Appleton-le-Moors WI programme of speakers, events and activities said: “We are a lively WI at Appleton-le-Moors and enjoy seeing our village hall full of happy faces, I’m very grateful to all who put so much effort in to arrange the evening, and we are delighted to have raised so much.”

Nicky Grunwell, Ryedale area fundraiser for Saint Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We would like to thank Appleton Le Moors WI for organising this wonderful event, which was fun, informative and enjoyed by all who attended.”