MORE than £3,500 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support in Midhurst at its annual Tree of Hope Service at St Mary’s Church in Easebourne.

The church was packed for the service led by Rev Derek Welsman and carols were accompanied by Midhurst Rother College Band, with Easebourne Primary School’s junior choir performing two festive songs.

The 2018 Book of Love and those for the previous five years were on display and the service was followed by the lighting of the tree outside, mince pies and mulled wine served by Billinghurst Macmillan Group.

Midhurst Rotary Club organised the parking.

Tree of Hope committee member Terri Ashpool said: “We are very grateful to Lord and Lady Cowdray and the estate team for their support, as well as our loyal volunteers and the community.

“All donations received go to the Macmillan Midhurst specialist community palliative care service, which supports patients and families living with cancer and life-threatening illnesses in Midhurst and across a wide area extending to Haslemere.”