A FAMILY fun day at Tarrant Keyneston raised £2,265 for the Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The event, held at the True Lovers Knot pub over the August bank holiday weekend, saw a range of classic cars, motorbikes and steam engines on show as well as a selection of classic family games – with a tractor run delighting onlookers on the final day.

The fun day was organised by the Harris and Whitfield families of Blandford who were looking to give back to the PICU after Helen Harris’ son, Oliver, received treatment for an undisclosed heart condition when he was first born.

Ms Harris said: “PICU saved his life on more than one occasion and friends of PICU supported Oliver and us as a family over the years.

“They do such amazing work supporting the ward as well, from funding new equipment to funding nursing staff.”

A spokesperson for the event said: “The damp weather on the Saturday morning couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended who could see steam engines, classic cars and motorbikes and take part in such old fashioned activities as tin can alley, splat the rat, hoopla and tractor trailer rides to name but a few.

“On the bank holiday Monday, this was all rounded off nicely with a charity tractor run around the Tarrant, Allen and Stour valleys with support from the East Dorset Tractor Pack. Everyone loves a tractor run!

“So what was the end result of the weekend? Over £2,265 raised for the unit by having a great time. I would say that is a win, win having a great fun and raising money too!

“Grateful thanks to all those who sponsored, supported, attended, who had a great time and made the event such a big success.”

This was the first event organised by the families, but they say it will be an annual event in the future.