WARMINSTER mayor Paul Macfarlane presented a cheque for £525 to charity Louie’s Smiles on Saturday, June 11, after The Old Bell Inn hosted a fundraising evening in April.

At the fundraiser, people were treated to a three course meal, a cabaret spectacular, live music and a small speech about the charity.

Pub manager Nikki Mulliner, who recently took over as the landlady of the Market Place pub, said: “We had a brilliant night in April which was attended by lots of lovely guests.

“Louie’s Smiles is such a fantastic charity. Any charity that raises the spirits of kids who are ill is worth raising money for in my opinion.

“The fact the mayor made it his chosen charity for the year made it even better and we're pleased he came along to present the cheque.”

Louie’s Smiles delivers toys to local hospital wards and was started set up by the family of Louie Coldwell who died in 2012 at the age of 10, after losing a brave battle with a rare form of cancer.

Joanne Booth, founder of the charity, said: "We were overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and we would like to thank everyone for attending the event as well as everyone involved at The Old Bell for organising and hosting the evening.

"This money is an enormous help to our small charity, every penny goes to the charity and will be spent on new toys, books and gifts to local children's wards including the Sarum ward at Salisbury District Hospital and wards in Southampton General Hospital.

"We are now in a position to expand thanks to the generosity of everyone who has raised money for us. During our last visit to Southampton we met with nurses and play specialists at the John Atwell Children's day ward, which cares for children undergoing a wide variety of medical and surgical procedures.

"They were very excited about the prospect of us delivering some smiles and with this money, along with everyone's continued support, we will be able to do that."

To find out more about the charity, visit www.louies-smiles.com