A SUMMER fete organised by a Popley nursery drummed up some much-needed funds for a Basingstoke children’s ward.

Cornerstone Miss Muffet nursery, in Abbey Court, Popley Way, held the family-friendly event last Saturday.

More than 100 people turned out for a day of face painting, bracelet making and games such as “guess the weight of the cake” and “how many sweets in the jar”.

Donations taken on the door and raised from the stalls will go towards the long-running cash appeal at Basingstoke hospital’s Charlie’s Day Unit.

Alongside traditional fun and games, members of the nursery’s parents group put on a barbecue for visitors.

Nursery manager Carolyn Martyn, 44, from Bramley, said: “It is nice for the community to come together and share the nursery.

“Charlie’s Day Unit is our chosen charity. As we are a nursery with little ones, we have had children and parents who have had dealings with it.”

The unit, located at the Aldermaston Road hospital, opened in 1999 and treats more than 3,000 sick youngsters each year. Since 2009, it has been seeking to raise £400,000 to buy new equipment and expand its facilities.