'Allo 'Allo! star Vicki Michelle MBE enjoyed the fun of Haven House Children’s Hospice’s Summer Fair on Sunday 2 July which raised more than £18,000.

More than 1,500 people - including children who use the hospice and their families - attended the annual event held in the grounds of the hospice in Woodford Green.

The Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Linda Huggett, attended with her family and drew the raffle. Tanya McKenna, the mother of TOWIE star Megan McKenna, also attended.

This year Haven House introduced a new circus theme for the fair with children enjoying circus skills, games, face painting, inflatables, trampolines, a pirate ship themed playground and even a ride on a train.

Adults had the opportunity to quench their thirst at a Pimms station whilst a barbeque, cakes and strawberries served with cream kept hunger at bay.

The fair had a wealth of shopping opportunities with stalls selling clothing and toys, including items from Haven House’s four charity shops.

Local acts which entertained the crowds included Dance 21 - a dance group which provides children and young people with Down Syndrome and their siblings in the Essex area with dance classes.

Brunel Circus Skills Society also performed throughout the day with Dave Sings Swings headlining on the main stage in the final hour.

Vicki Michelle MBE, a Patron of Haven House, said: “The Summer Fair is always a highlight for me and this year’s circus theme was an exciting new twist to the event.  

“Haven House has a special place in my heart and it’s great to see so many people coming together to raise an excellent amount for the hospice on the day.

“We really couldn’t put on the fair without our amazing volunteers and we are so grateful for their support.”

Find out more about our exciting events by visiting our events page.