Race goers raised £8,311.58 for a regional children’s charity at a three day festival at Newmarket Racecourse.

The Moët and Chandon July Festival, a racecourse summer highlight, raised valuable funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) who had held an online auction throughout the festival for people to bid on some exclusive lots, as well as bucket collections on the gates as spectators left for the evening.

Lotte Rietveld, EACH corporate development manager, said; “We all had a wonderful time and are thrilled with the amount raised.

“The three days were a great opportunity for us to reach out to a new audience to raise awareness of our services.

“This was our second year as charity partner for the festival and we had so many well-wishers coming over to speak to us during the time, racegoers seemed genuinely pleased to have us there.

“Our dedicated volunteers were out in force on the days, generously giving up their time to support this event. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at The Jockey Club and Newmarket Racecourses for choosing EACH.”

EACH provides care and support to life-threatened children, young people and their families across East Anglia.

All the money raised will go towards providing these vital services at a time when families need it most.

Amy Starkey, regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses East, said: “We have very much enjoyed working with EACH and look forward to supporting this great charity going forward.”