A CHILDREN'S charity near Winchester has received a sizeable cheque following a successful Winchester wine event at the start of the Christmas celebrations.

Naomi House and Jacksplace, in Sutton Scotney, were presented with £1,026.62 by organisers of last year's Wine Festival, held at the Guildhall last November.

Alongside co-director Claire Quigley Ward, master vintners Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, of BBC1 Saturday Kitchen fame, welcomed around 1,300 visitors to the city for a two-day wine-tasting event, of which the hospice was the charity of choice.

Mr Richards said: “It's been a joy working with the team at Naomi House and Jacksplace. It's wonderful to see their ambitious new renovation project taking place, which will make a massive difference to the quality of care and hospitality offered to the young people and their families.

“Wine Festival Winchester is delighted to be able to support such a brilliant operation.”

Paul Morgan, head of fundraising at Naomi House, added: “It really was an absolute delight and total pleasure to be part of Wine Festival Winchester. We could not imagine more delightful, inclusive and engaging partners to work with. It was an extremely well organised event with a joyous and cheerful atmosphere and great support from both guests and exhibito