NEARLY 200 guests helped raise more than £18,000 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 turn out in their finest clothes to enjoy afternoon tea and a day at the races at the respite care home, near North Berwick.

The event saw people betting on televised live races from Ascot, as well as bidding for items donated for auction.

Amongst the auction items were an original oil painting by Spanish artist Miguel Dominguez, which was bought for £950, and an evening of gin tasting at Lockett Bros followed by dinner at North Berwick restaurant Osteria for six people, which raised £1,250.

Mairi O’Keefe, chief executive of Leuchie House, said: “The amount raised this year is fantastic. We could not have done any of it without our supporters in East Lothian.

“From volunteers on the day to local businesses who donated top quality prizes, this was a spectacular success for Leuchie.

“Many of the guests staying at Leuchie were able to attend the event and the atmosphere was quite special.

“Our auctioneer, Tony Thomas, and our host, Gavin Hastings, who volunteered their services, made sure the event went with a swing. [It was] a great day out and a great amount raised for Leuchie.” Leuchie is hosting a Bass Rock Supper next Saturday (July 4), as it marks its fourth birthday as an independent charity.

The supper will see a flotilla of local boats head out to the Bass Rock in the afternoon before an evening of jazz and food is enjoyed at Halfland Barns.

Tickets for the event, which also includes a silent auction, are available from Anderson’s Butchers, Catkins flower shop and Paper Flower on North Berwick High Street, or Leuchie.