A MALTON-based charity held a free family fun day to raise money and awareness of its work.

The Encephalitis Society hosted the event in the grounds of the Talbot Hotel, Malton, with attractions including a hog roast, face painting, children’s entertainment, arts and crafts and a bouncy castle.

With a £200 donation from The Talbot Hotel and £40 from Sainsbury's who sponsored the bouncy castle the fun day raised £500 for the charity.

Spokeswoman Rosie Mellor said: “The event went really well. The sun was shining all day, and it was nice to be able to run a free event for people to enjoy.

"A number of our member’s came down to say hello too, which was great. Encephalitis is a rare condition, so it’s always a bonus if we can run an event where those who have been affected can meet up and share their experiences. "

Rosie said they would like to thank The Talbot for allowing them to use a marquee that had been used over the weekend for a wedding.

"We took the opportunity to run a free, fun event to take advantage of the opportunity. The Talbot have been incredibly generous to us over the past few years and we can’t thank them enough," she added.

"The original suppliers of our bouncy castle actually cancelled on us an hour before the event, and so we’d like to say a huge thank you to Castles and Craft of Kirkbymoorside, who rushed to our rescue with a brilliant bouncy castle."