A pub landlady hosted a charity cheque presentation to hand over more than £68,000 to a children's charity that was left to them in her father's will.

Virginia Chater made the donation to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) at her pub, The Star Inn in Wenhaston, near Halesworth.

Her late father, John Leathley Chater, was an Anglican priest for more than 50 years.

During his work as a priest, he was devoted to supporting children in his community, describing them as the "jewels of life."

As such, he left £68,140 to EACH in his will, and that total was boosted by an additional £517.80 raised from an autumn fair at the pub in October.

East Anglian Daily Times: Virginia Chater (right) with (from left) landlord Carl Ernsting, Sarah and Darron Smith, from The Star Inn kitchen, artist and lecturer Grace Adam and bar manager Emma Rae. Credit: EACHVirginia Chater (right) with (from left) landlord Carl Ernsting, Sarah and Darron Smith, from The Star Inn kitchen, artist and lecturer Grace Adam and bar manager Emma Rae. Credit: EACH (Image: EACH)

Virginia, who had no idea her father had left money in his will to the charity, said: "He was a passionate supporter and servant of those less fortunate in his congregation, driven by his desire to see a world of fairness and equality.

"He always said they were the jewels of life and, because of that, we were very happy when we found out about his incredible legacy donation.

"It made complete sense.

"His last act was to ensure he could continue to support the jewels he fought so passionately for during his life.

East Anglian Daily Times: John Chater with his daughter Virginia. Credit: Virginia ChaterJohn Chater with his daughter Virginia. Credit: Virginia Chater (Image: Virginia Chater)

"It’s a great comfort to know that in this way he’ll be continuing his life’s work and I hope others will be inspired to follow his example in supporting such a worthy charity.

"He was a wonderful, intelligent and vibrant man, a devoted husband to our mother and a loving father to his four children."

He also had a deep-rooted passion for the area following his time as a soldier in the East Anglian regiment.

Virginia added: "Although my father travelled widely, he never lost his love for this beautiful part of the country.

"It was his favourite place and, in his work as a priest, he devoted his time to the communities he served, always with humour and enthusiasm."