A BIG lunch organised by residents in Wallasey has raised more than £600 for Claire House children's hospice.

The day of food, drink and family entertainment was held in Oldfield Road and Meadowcroft Road on July 19.

The idea for the fundraiser was created in May, when residents from both roads got together to formulate a plan of how to bring everyone to one big party, taking part in the Eden project, 'Big Lunch'.

It was agreed that each resident would bring certain items of food and lay it out for everyone to share.

Each household brought their own table and chairs out in to the road and the street was dressed with bunting and flags.

The children brought their own toys and there was pass-the-parcel and musical chairs all being played during the afternoon.

There was even a quiz, with the winner taking away a bottle of wine.

There was face painting for the children, even the adults got involved.

One resident brought along their collection of reptiles for everyone to hold and have their picture taken with.

The Community Police officer also turned up to check that the event ran smoothly.

Everyone dug deep on the day and raised a fantastic £330 for the hospice, which opened 10 years ago.

This money will matched pound for pound bringing the total to £660 as one resident works for the company Bibby Line Group in Liverpool who match funds money raised for charity as part of their 'Giving Something Back, Community Programme.

Val Foulds from Meadowcroft Road said: "It is so nice to see all the children from the street who had come back for the party all grown up now and lovely to see so many people coming together to enjoy the day.

"There is a real sense of community, long may it continue."

For further details about the Bibby Line Group 2009 programme, please visit our Community Programme website at www.bibbycommunity.com