Local insurer raises £2,000 for charity

Head of Hastings Direct charity committee, Jay Wootten told the Observer in spite of adverse weather conditions, many people turned up to support the fete held to raise funds for their nominated charity of the year, St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust.

Jay said: "Despite it being a blustery day, everyone enjoyed themselves.

"We managed to raise much needed-funds towards the nature trail we want to build for the children around the school.

"St Mary's is thrilled to be Hastings Direct's charity of the year and we are looking forward to working with the staff over the next twelve months"

For those undeterred by the weather there was much on offer at the fte, including games, a bouncy castle, face painting, bric-a-brac, raffles and tombolas, books, and toys.

There was also the opportunity to have a go at plate smashing, courtesy of Battle Lions Club.

Police, firefighters and St John Ambulance also attended.

St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust is a non-maintained special needs school and registered charity.

Office manager Sue Munn said the school is "really, really pleased and happy" to be nominated as Hastings Directs charity of the year and was delighted with the amount raised.

Jay said a fundraising pirate day at the office proved to be popular with staff:

"Thanks to all the hard work of the staff we managed to raise 2,000 from the fte and a pirate fancy dress day held just a week before at our offices for St Mary's.

"We would like to thank all the local charities that supported the fte and a big thank you to everyone who came along to support us."