YOU don't need seaweed to help predict the weather...book your holiday to coincide with the annual jamboree organised by members of the Friends of the Dilke and you can (almost!) guarantee sunshine.

There was wall to wall warmth and a great atmosphere to welcome visitors to the annual fete organised by the Friends in the grounds of the Dilke Hospital on Saturday.

Chairman Bob Young admitted he was anxious on Friday and had visited the hospital to discuss alternative places stallholders might be located if the sun didn't shine.

But, true to form, the day dawned brightly and improved by the hour as crowds once more turned out in force for the annual get-together.

Mr Young said the party w'ent without a hitch and proved once again the affection local people have for the hospital and the care provided by the staff.

"It was a great day and especially so when you consider all the other things that have been going on with a change in the school holidays and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations," he said.

Visitors were treated to entertainment by the Wye Dance group and the ever popular Berry Hill Band. "Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and lots of patients attended – some in wheelchairs – to enjoy the music and entertainment in the company of family and friends," said Mr Young.

The profit of around £4,000 will go towards the provision of special mattresses for the Inpatient Unit, said Mr Young.

He added: "I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the day. Again we were lucky with the weather so if you want a day when the sun will shine arrange to attend next year's hospital fete on the second Saturday in June!"