A RECORD crowd enjoyed a fundraising highlight of the Chiddingfold village calendar, last Sunday.

It was the fourth year running that village Ted Hobbs had opened his garden – complete with his impressive 450ft model railway track – in aid of St Mary’s Church, Chiddingfold, and Macmillan Cancer Support, Midhurst.

Mr Hobbs, who is secretary of Liphook Modellers Club, held his first open garden event following the death of his wife, Joyce, as a way of thanking Chiddingfold rector the Rev Sarah Brough and Macmillan for the support they had provided.

The number of visitors has increased each year and more than 250 visitors enjoyed Sunday’s event and helped him raise £1,100.

Farnham and District Model Railway Club made sure all Mr Hobbs’ model trains ran on time and Liphook Modelling Club put on a special display.

“It was a great day,” he said. “I’d like to thank everyone who participated in making it such a success.

“This year’s event was the best I’ve had. People were still queuing to get in at 3.45pm, just before it closed, and they came from as far afield as Petersfield and Guildford.

“A lot of children came and they loved the railway. Church members baked cakes and lent me tables and chairs. Malcolm’s Travel in Haslemere did the gate and the raffle.”

Mrs Brough said: “St Mary’s Church are very grateful to Ted for his support.

“His annual Open Garden event has become an highlight in our village calendar, giving great enjoyment to many people of all ages.

“Ted spends countless hours getting his model railway ready for the event each year, as well as maintaining his garden to a very high standard.”