Thousands of pounds was raised for charity when families from across the district came together for a camping weekend recently.

A total of £4,000 was donated to Macmillan Cancer Support after the Harpenden fundraising branch organised a camping weekend in Hertford with 45 families.

With a Magna Carta theme for its sixth year, campers enjoyed delights from the ‘Friar Tuck Shoppe’ alongside other stalls set up by families throughout the weekend.

A communal barbecue and a marquee provided a central point for activity, and a talent evening proved a hit among campers.

Many of the families had not camped before and Jill Black, organiser, said: “It is fascinating to see the apprehension on their faces when they first arrive and are shown to their pitch.

“However, by the end of the weekend they are camping converts and talking about their next camping trip and asking about next year’s MacCamping weekend- how that camping bug grabs you once you give it a go.”

Preparations are already under way for 2016, with a caravan set to be raffled off as a top prize.