RESIDENTS at a local care home donned red noses and comedy bow ties for their latest fundraiser in aid of the Winchester Hospice appeal.

Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton in Worthy Road is halfway through a year of joint fundraising with its sister home St Catherines View in Stanmore Lane.

Those living at the homes, their families, friends and carers enjoyed an afternoon of circus-themed events, music and games, raising £154 and bringing the fundraising total to £1,326.50.

Abbotts Barton manager, Dee Lovewell, said: “Support for the Winchester Hospice is tremendously strong amongst everyone at Abbotts Barton and St Catherines.

“Our residents and their families love a good party and we hold events throughout the year, so we are confident of raising a really nice sum of money for the Hospice by the end of 2019.”

Patients and their families are currently forced to travel to Southampton, Basingstoke or Andover for the nearest hospice care.

The Winchester Hospice appeal aims to transform Burrell House in the grounds of the Royal Hampshire County Hospital into a state-of-the-art end of life facility.

Around £3 million is needed for the renovation of Burrell House.

Sabrina Marsden from the Winchester Hospice appeal attended the event wearing a circus ringmaster’s outfit.

She said: “We were thrilled to learn that both Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View are supporting us through all their fantastic events this year.

“When it is built, the Winchester Hospice will be a testament to the hard work and determination of people of all ages from right across the area, including these lovely residents and their families and carers.

“We are extremely grateful to Colten Care and its homes for their support.”