CANCER patients and their families were in the thoughts of everyone who turned up in support of the Friends of the Ardgowan Hospice’s Christmas fete.

The hardworking group of volunteers, with a network that stretches from Port Glasgow to Skelmorlie, organised the event as part of their festive fundraisers.

The event at Westburn Church raised a fantastic £1,300 that will contribute to the £32,000 per annum they give to the hospice.

Treasurer Marion White said: “It is a fantastic amount of money and it was a successful day. We would like to thank everyone who came along and everyone who helped make it so enjoyable.

“We have friends all over Inverclyde who help by donating and helping us set everything up.

“We also get huge support from local businesses. I have been fundraising for Friends of the Hospice for years.

“This year I had a close friend affected by cancer so I saw from the other side just how important Ardgowan Hospice really is.” On the day there were arts and crafts stalls selling Christmas decorations, home baking and tea and coffee served to all.

The success of the fete was matched by the group’s Christmas carol concert in the Greenock Town Hall.

It featured the St Patrick’s Primary School choir, Clydeview Academy instrumentalists and the Hospice Singers and the Stedfast Silver Band.

Every year the Friends of the Hospice team are behind a series of fundraisers, including the Snowdrop Walk at the Ardgowan Estate and door-to-door collections.​ See today's Telegraph for full pictures.