ESCAPING what was a rather cold and damp Saturday afternoon, many Thornbury residents enjoyed the warmth of the popular strawberry tea run by Thornbury Hospital League of Friends.

Aside from the main event there were stalls selling everything from cakes and fruit to books and bric a brac as well as an event stalwart – the tombola run by Lily Yeo who has personally stocked and run the stall for many years.

Entertainment on the day was provided by an enthusiastic display from 18 pupils from Crossways Infant School and three musical solos by pupils from Crossways Junior School; Libby Griffiths, year three with her beautiful rendition of a song from Frozen and Zoe Smith and Fiona Hann, year six pupils who confidently played clarinet solos.

In a short speech, the mayor of Thornbury, Cllr Guy Rawlinson praised the work of the hospital’s league of friends who have continued to provide extra comforts for the patients and staff of Thornbury Hospital for 61 years.

Chairman Shirley Holloway thanked the performers for their contribution to the success of the afternoon and also made special mention of the businesses in Thornbury who had given prizes for the excellent raffle.

“Almost every business in Thornbury kindly donated a prize,” she said. “We are truly grateful to them all.”