THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a charity which helps people and families suffering from incurable illnesses.

Wilkin and Sons raised a total of £7,100 for Marie Curie at its Little Scarlet Festival held at the factory in Tiptree.

The business donated all the funds raised from ticket sales and stall pitch fees to the charity.

The charity expects the need for end-of-life care to increase by up to 25 per cent as the population ages.

A spokesman for Wilkin and Sons said: “We were thrilled to meet up with Angela and Cherry from the Marie Curie charity and to hand them a cheque for £7,100 raised from our Little Scarlet Festival.

“The Little Scarlet Festival took place on the Tiptree Farm at the beginning of September. All tickets sold and stall pitch fees from the day were donated to the charity.

“Thank you to all who came along to the festival and to those who donated to Marie Curie charity on the day.

“We learnt more about the great work that Marie Curie does - they provide care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.”