A new mum and business owner who put together a fundraiser to help a maternity ward at Colchester Hospital said she was shocked to see how much money the event raised.

Paige Augur had her son, Ace, during the first Covid lockdown and was taken aback by the quality of care she received at Colchester Hospital’s neo-natal unit when restrictions were at their most severe.

Miss Augur, 30, of Great Bentley, wanted to repay those who provided the exceptional care by raising money for a charity which supports the neo-natal ward.

She organised a fundraiser for the Wish Upon a Fairy charity by holding an event in Brightlingsea and raised £1,500.

She said: “Honestly, I thought if I raised £500, then that would be amazing – then 400 people showed up, which was absolutely fantastic.”