A HISTORIC country house has played host to a spring-time fundraiser to raise money for life-saving cancer research.

Organised by volunteers from the Barbon and Middleton North West Cancer Research fundraising committee, the event was held at grade II listed Whelprigg House, owned by Henry Bowring.

More than 100 guests attended to take part in activities such as a tombola, cake stands and stalls selling local and handmade produce and crafts.

A ‘pot luck’ wine stall, provided additional entertainment, with some donors receiving bottles of wine while others had to make do with bottles of water.

The event raised £1,405 which will be donated to North West Cancer Research to support locally-based cancer research projects, including at nearby Lancaster University.

Sue Thornber, Barbon and Middleton North West Cancer Research Committee member, said: “The Springtime day at Whelprigg House went really well and we raised £280 on tickets alone.

North West Cancer Research is the biggest independent funder of cancer research at Lancaster University. The charity has committed to funding more than £13million worth of research across the North West over the next five years.

Alastair Richards, CEO North West Cancer Research: “It was great to be able to join the committee members at this year’s Springtime event at Whelprigg House. Even with the rain it was a great day and managed to raise a fantastic amount of money.

“As a charity we rely on the support of our committees and fundraisers. Money from events such as they will help us continue our commitment to funding the very best cancer research locally.”