MORE than £1000 was raised for the Essex Air Ambulance by a fund-raiser in a Good Easter back garden on Sunday. Air ambulance volunteer Chris Flack and partner Sue Witney opened the gates to Little Pipers, their thatched cottage, to host their third annua

MORE than £1000 was raised for the Essex Air Ambulance by a fund-raiser in a Good Easter back garden on Sunday.

Air ambulance volunteer Chris Flack and partner Sue Witney opened the gates to Little Pipers, their thatched cottage, to host their third annual Crafts and Cream Tea afternoon to raise funds.

The event took place between 2pm-6pm and saw stallholders display glass, wood turning, honey and candles.

Mr Flack, who has been a volunteer for almost three years, said: "The good people of Essex came to support us again in their drones. It was a wonderful day which at the same time made the air ambulance a pound or two."

Visitors were also treated to a surprise appearance by the Essex Air Ambulance, which landed on an adjacent field.

Spectators looked round the helicopter and asked questions.

Mr Flack added: "I want to thank Friar Tucks catering company for donating 250 cups and saucers to us, as well as knives and forks. And also Starbucks were incredibly generous donating pots and raffle prizes. Everyone has been so generous and we would like to thank everyone who made the event a success."

The star raffle prize, a flying lesson at Anglian Flight Centre was won by Chris Austin of Good Easter.