A CHARITY wedding fair held in Derby has been hailed a great success.

The spring fair, held at Derby Conference Centre, attracted 26 local firms, who exhibited products and services to more than 75 brides, their friends and families.

It raised more than £200 for the Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal, which needs another £300,000 to build an extension.

Exhibitor Valerie Becks, of Spencer Becks Wedding Cakes, has benefited from the Risley hospice first-hand.

She said: "Treetops Hospice was a great help when my dad was ill.

"They made it so much easier for me to be able to support him at home. They are a great charity."

Helen Johnson, marketing manager at the conference centre, said: "The day was a great success, with 10 couples looking to book weddings here with us.

"We are so pleased to be supporting The Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal, later on this year some of the Derby Conference Centre staff will be bravely taking part in a Skydive for the charity."

Kate Shaw and Lily Grant, of the Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal Team, said: "It was a fantastic day at a great venue."

Treetops provides specialist palliative care to adults with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.

Anyone wishing to help or donate money should contact Kate or Lily on 01159394551 or kshaw@treetopshospice.org.uk.