CHAMPION charity fundraisers from the The Crown public house in Oldswinford will look to smash the £100,000 barrier when its stages its annual fun day later this month.

Already the popular Hagley Road pub has raised well over £95,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice from previous fun days.

Now organisers hope to take the fun day total well over the six figure mark in what will be the tenth anniversary year of the event.

Licensee Chris Foxall said: "It all started when a group of regulars got together and decided they wanted to do something for the hospice which is situated just across the road from us.

"We held the first event in the car park and had all the usual events like a tombola, bouncy castle, an auction, face painting for the kids and some live music.

"It went really well. we were expecting to raise about £2,000 but we managed £4,000, which was way beyond what anyone had expected.

"Since then, the event has grown year on year. We now produce a programme for the event which local businesses and individuals have always supported with sponsorship.

"Local residents have also got behind the event and helped us by providing prizes for the auction.

"Last year we raised over £20,000, the highest amount we've ever had which was absolutely amazing - but I think the fact that we're raising money for the hospice makes a big difference and helps to generate goodwill.

"Most of the people involved have either had someone, or know of somebody that has received treatment from the hospice and I believe that's why we've managed to raise so much money and why so many people have supported us by providing prizes or helping out.

"There's no one individual involved and it's certainly not about me. The event is simply a combined effort from a number of regulars who have helped make the fun day such a fantastic success."

Stevan Jackson, chief executive of Mary Stevens Hospice, said: "Over the last 10 years The Crown have raised what is now close on an amazing £100,000 through their charity fun day.

"I'd like to thank Chris Foxall and his staff and customers for their highly valued support of the hospice.

"This is a major contribution to the work of the hospice which costs in excess of £2.5million to run."

This year's fun day takes place on Sunday August 30, starting at 2.30pm.