AN annual festival in Alresford has raised over £3,000 for a children’s charity.

The Watercress Festival in May saw 15,000 flock to the town, and in exchange for a free bag of the super-food revellers were encouraged to make a donation to the Joe Glover Trust.

Fundraising and events manager for the charity, Jane Wilmshurst, was presented with a cheque for £3,313 by Charles Barter of the Watercress Alliance.

The alliance was the main sponsor of the festival, and supplied 5,000 bags of the salad.

Ms Wilmshurst said she was amazed by the amount raised.

She said: “The support to the charity is invaluable as we have received an unprecedented number of grants so far this year. It is wonderful to know that we will be able to continue to help these families on the difficult journey they face.” Mr Barter said: “It’s fantastic to know that the Watercress Festival not only provides a great day out for so many people, but that it also benefits such a worthwhile cause.”

Formed in 2007 in memory of eight-year-old Joe Glover, the trust works to support families and specialist children’s cancer care units across Hampshire and the south.