Armed with umbrellas '“ but we all had a nice day at Bognor Hospital fete

The worst weather in almost 20 years drenched the event at the town's war memorial hospital.

The prospect of a soaking at the Shripney Road grounds kept numbers down to a few hundred on.

But organisers at the hospital's Friends charity were still able to net just more than 3,000 from the four hours of the event thanks to the support of those who turned out.

Friends' fundraising co-ordinator Anita Sturdey said the amount raised was lower than usual.

However, the one consolation of a generally miserable afternoon was the spirit which shone through the gloom.

"So many staff and volunteers turned out in the rain to help us raise money and show their commitment to their hospital and we are really grateful to them for that.

"They all know every single penny we took makes a difference and that means that, however miserable the afternoon got, it was worth the effort," she said.

"Although we didn't have the usual throngs of people visiting, it was great to see the loyal locals come and support their community hospital."

Among those who also braved the weather was John Wilderspin, chief executive of the hospital's operator, Western Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust, who paid a welcome and unexpected visit to back the important occasion.

Volunteers pitched in to get the event started on time as the day became cloudier and cloudier. Compere Erik Jack did his best to lighten the mood once the rain began among those who went to look around the stalls selling books, plants, linen, sweets, toys and DVDs and CDs.

"I have been here 17 years and this is the first fete in all that time that has been really wet. We have had a short shower before, but this was a real deluge," said Mrs Sturdey.

"Next year we may plan an umbrella stall to see if that will guarantee us good weather."