A family event which took place in Bovingdon over the weekend has been hailed a success for a second year running.

Crowds flocked to The White Hart in Whelpley Hill on Sunday, May 24 to enjoy some fun in the sun at Sunfest, an event organised by friends Jo Nickless, 28, and Dave Coleman, 35, in memory of their parents who lost their battle with cancer.

The event supported charities Cancer Research UK and Peace Hospice Care.

"We wanted to do something to help after my mum passed away from cancer in December 2013, and Jo’s dad passed away from cancer the previous year around the same time," said Mr Coleman and Ms Nickless.

"We held the first event last year which was a great success and wanted to do the same again this year - doing something fun to fight something serious."

There were a range of activities taking place throughout the day, including live music, a DJ in the evening, Watford based children’s magician Mr Belldini, a bouncy castle, beer festival and authentic Caribbean BBQ.

This year, the friends also decided to donate money to Brooke Cornwall, a nine-year-old girl from the area suffering with rare blood condition Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA).

They donated £1 from each ticket entry to Brooke’s charity and also made a separate donation from the event.

The friends said: "The weather held out and was kind to us all day and we were very lucky to have some brilliant local talent providing us with amazing music from start to finish.

"The venue and staff were perfect and to see many old and new faces was incredible.

"We can’t thank everyone enough for all of the help and support we’ve received that helped make Sunday’s event the success it was."

More than 400 people attended throughout the day and between £3,500 and £4,000 was raised for the various charities.

Mr Coleman and Ms Nickless added: "We will be back in August with part two - another charity event, Sunfest Dance.

"To keep updated on events like the Facebook page by searching Sunfest Charity."