A PRIVATE party had a public spin-off after a couple celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary asked guests to help Kemp Hospice's building appeal.

About 70 people helped Ena and Leon Lloyd, of Furlongs Road, Cleobury Mortimer, mark 40 years together earlier this month at the Horse and Jockey pub in Far Forest.

"We said we didn't want any presents, we just wanted people to donate money to the hospice," said Mrs Lloyd, 64.

"We had a really good time and we raised £420, which we were very pleased about."

She added: "We chose Kemp because it is local and it needs all our help."

Campaign manager John Fletcher said: "It was a wonderful gesture of support for the campaign and once again illustrates how many local people in our community are coming up with special fund-raising ideas to help the appeal."