The patron of a rural event has spoke of his pride at its success as more than £15,000 is handed over to St Nicholas Hospice Care.

The 24th Euston Rural Pastimes, at the Euston Estate in June, attracted 7,000 visitors, with fundraising split between the hospice charity, based in Bury St Edmunds, and local churches.

Yesterday, a cheque for £15,300 was presented to the hospice.

The patron of Euston Rural Pastimes is the Duke of Grafton, Henry FitzRoy - known as Harry Grafton.

He said: “As a family we have been extremely proud of the event. It was very much the vision of John Farrow, the farm manager, to have a rural event for charity and it has just gone from strength to strength. We are very happy it has been so successful and long may it continue.”

Chris Fogden, chairman of the Euston Rural Pastimes committee, said: “We are very, very pleased to have raised this record amount for the hospice. It is exactly what we set out to do: to raise money and give it all away.”

Miranda McCoy, St Nicholas Hospice Care community fundraiser, said: “This year’s Euston Rural Pastimes was a joy to be involved with and it is simply marvellous that it raised such an impressive sum for good causes.

“These funds will make a real difference to the hospice. We are so grateful to everyone involved with Euston for all their hard work and to everyone who supported the event.”

Next year’s Euston Rural Pastimes will be on Sunday, June 7.