NEARLY 200 guests helped raise a five-figure sum for Leuchie House at its annual Ascot Gold Cup Tea last Thursday.

The glamorous day out was hosted by former Scottish rugby star Gavin Hastings and saw guests descend on Leuchie, near North Berwick, for an afternoon of racing and afternoon tea.

An impressive total of more than £14,000 was raised for the charity.

Guests betted on Ladies Day races at Ascot, which were televised live, while Brian Ross talked the audience through the betting process.

There was also an auction of horses, with one raising more than £300, while more than £2,000 was donated as guests donated money to ‘own’ each of the 18 horses that started the Gold Cup, the day’s feature race.

Mr Hastings, who is a patron of the charity, was delighted to be asked to host the event once more this year.

The former British and Irish Lions star also kept the 200 guests informed of “another sporting occasion”, as England played Wales at Euro 2016 during the event.

Gavin said: “We always have a really good day.

“This day goes a long way in supporting the message of Leuchie and the contributions today will continue to make sure that Leuchie House is still here for a long time to come.”

The former rugby star, also explained how he became a patron of the charity and hailed the work of Leuchie House chief executive Mairi O’Keefe.

He added: “Mairi asked me to become a patron and I just couldn’t say no.

“She does so much good work for Leuchie and I became a patron because I get it.

“I get it for so many reasons but most of all because I understand all the work that goes on here and makes Leuchie work.”

Guests included a number of supporters of the charity, including Meg Maitland, who judged the best dressed competitions.

Mairi O’Keefe thanked everyone for their support, and was delighted to see a big turnout at the fourth annual event.