A STOURBRIDGE pub “crowned” its own historic successes by raising £28,500 for the town's hospice – in just one fun day.

The Crown, in Hagley Road, Oldswinford, beat its previous record – achieved last year – by more than £5,000 thanks to a mass turnout from generous locals, who dipped their hands in their pockets over and over again.

It brings the total raised for Mary Stevens Hospice through the annual event over the last 12 years to more than £170,000.

Councillor Les Jones, one of the organisers of the annual fun day held on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28), said: “It was an electric atmosphere.

“People get more and more generous and we have made a record amount every year.

“For instance, in the auction we held this time, someone bid £700 for just four nights in a Spanish penthouse and a meal for four at the Fountain at Clent went for £650, which is way over the value.”

Around 400 people enjoyed the event – but many more bought £10 tickets even though they could not attend.

Attractions included stalls, a raffle, freshly cooked food and performances by several bands, culminating in revellers dancing well into the evening on the car park.

Councillor Jones: “We don’t have a committee or anything like it – people just say ‘I’ll do this or that’ and get on with it and every penny we raise goes to the hospice.”

Charlotte Schofield, head of fundraising & lottery at Mary Stevens Hospice said of the pub's latest fundraiser: “£28,500 is a truly staggering amount, and we’ve been told by the pub it was the most people they’d ever had through the door in more than a decade of doing the fun day, which is just an overwhelming show of support.

"That support was echoed throughout the local business community, and the auction prizes we had donated by local organisations meant we were able to raise more money than ever through the auction on the day.

"Most of all, we’d like to thank everyone from the pub who makes it possible and everyone who came to enjoy the day.

"Our care simply couldn’t be provided to local families without the help of our community and we can’t wait to do it all again with The Crown next year.”