A COFFEE morning in the New Forest has raised more than £340 for Southampton's medical research charity Hope.

The event was hosted by Elaine and Brian Court from Pennington, Lymington, and more than 30 people attended, including members of the Hope for New Forest Committee and charity director Ray Kipling.

There was a special raffle for an Easter cake provided by Mary Brennan of Lyndhurst and a bring-and-buy sale raised more than £100.

Chairman of Hope for New Forest James Sambidge from East Boldre gave a short speech on the work of his group in raising funds for medical research, all of which is carried out locally.

He appealed for new volunteers to help in the Lymington area as the charity is aiming to set up a sub-group in the town and is holding its summer ball at the Hordle Walhampton School on Saturday, July 12.

Tickets for the event are available from the Hope office priced £30.

The charity is the south's leading medical research organisation and supports research into cancer, heart disease and conditions such as Alzheimer's and meningitis.

A new study of skin diseases and their treatment has just been announced by the charityand will be carried out in the New Forest and Southampton.

Hope can be contacted on 023 8033 3366.