GOLDEN-HEARTED villagers showed true community spirit, when they drummed up a whopping £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Around 2,000 people flocked to the heart of Rainford for the fair, the first of its kind in the village.

Match funding from Barclays Bank doubled the amount, which was presented in a cheque to Macmillan St Helens by Cllr David Grice at the Rainford North End Club.

Local shops set out stalls selling tasty treats, including homemade cakes, mulled wine, mince pies and burgers, while Rainford Band played.

A raffle, tombola, travelling fair and balloon race added to the fun, with the winning balloon turning up more than 200 miles away in Milton Keynes.

Estate agent David Davies and village newsagent Chris Houghton had the idea for the fundraiser and, along with fellow organisers Cllr Grice and florist Wendy Downey, met every week for planning in the two months leading up to the event.

“It was an acorn that became an oak tree,” David said.

“The shopkeepers all agreed to do something and donate around 25% of their profits to Macmillan.

“Someone lent us commercial gazebos, the local council let us use their trestle tables and chairs, and we were able to use the village hall kitchen, so local cake makers Barbara Hurst and Marie Whittle did nothing but make cakes for two days beforehand.

“It was a great success, not only in creating a wonderful atmosphere in Rainford, but also in pulling the whole community together in a joint effort.

“We’re determined to make it an annual event in support of Macmillan and, now people have seen it’s a success, we’re sure everyone will want to get involved in organising the next one.”

Macmillan fundraising manager Judith Stewart said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the committee and volunteers, who made this event such an outstanding success.

“Thanks go to all the people from the local community, who came along and supported the day.

“Macmillan relies on the generosity of the public for 99% of our income, we receive no funding from the Government. So when someone organises a charity event to raise funds for Macmillan, it means a great deal to us and the many people living with cancer in Merseyside and across the UK.”

Money raised from the Rainford festival will fund Macmillan’s important range of services, including Macmillan nurses, doctors and other health professionals, new cancer care centres, cancer support information, practical help at home and help with money for cancer patients, both locally and nationally.