FACE painters and cheerleaders entertained hundreds of guests at a May Fete fundraiser.

The second annual event, held in partnership with Colchester Rugby Club, included sporting and family-friendly activities to raise a goal of £8,000 for St Helena Hospice.

The HRC All Stars Cheerleaders, Ilaz Dance and Taylor’s Dance companies, alongside Funky Voices Community Choir, gave the crowd a varied show.

Meanwhile, hospice CEO Mark Jarman-Howe, joined by MP Will Quince, spent the afternoon in wooden stocks where wet sponges were thrown at them.

Sports fans watched live rugby matches and young children were challenged to take part themselves wearing a blow-up plastic ball for a zorbing five-a-side game.

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Lydia Polom, marketing and communications assistant, said: “It was heaving all afternoon with a mix of Rugby supporters and those there for the hospice too.

“The Rugby Club’s end of season awards in the morning drew a crowd and afterwards there were two players versus coaches matches for men and women.

“We’d just like to say thank you for everyone who came to support both the Rugby Club and St Helena Hospice because for our second annual event it’s been very successful.”

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