THERE was a happy carnival atmosphere at the tenth anniversary celebration of Acorns for the Three Counties Children's Hospice, in Worcester, on Saturday when a special guest cut the ribbon.

Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen, wedding organiser and wife of flamboyant interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, said she was thrilled to be asked to come along to share the charity's celebrations.

She said she and her husband had made a donation to the charity in December after being impressed with the work they do to care for children and young people who are suffering from life-threatening conditions. The couple visited in January to see the impressive work Acorns does.

"They do a wonderful job supporting children and their families and making each of them feel special," she said.

Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen said she and her husband have been involved in children's hospices for many years and it gave them pleasure to be able to help Acorns.

David Strudley, chief executive of Acorns said he was grateful to Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen coming along to help them celebrate their 10th anniversary and for the support of everyone who had helped make it such a success.

During the fun afternoon, visitors tested their skills at traditional games such as ‘splat the rat’, ‘beat the buzzer’ and skittles with the Malvern Hills Brass Band providing the soundtrack. A bouncy castle and face painting entertained younger visitors while stallholders were kept busy selling homemade cakes, handmade crafts, plants and jewellery.

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fundraising manager at Acorns said: “It was a fantastic and busy afternoon with a brilliant atmosphere. We were so pleased to see supporters, donors, Acorns families, neighbours to the hospice and people from across the Three Counties showing their support.

“Everyone appreciated the chance to see the hospice first hand and learn more about our work and the vital role the community plays in helping us to continue that.”

Funds raised at the fete will help the charity toward its anniversary year target of £50,000, which will meet the costs of maintenance and upgrade of the decade-old hospice gardens, which form an important part of the care provided.

Since opening its doors on March 14 2005, Acorns has provided specialist palliative care and support for 465 life-limited and life-threatened children and their families across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.