A DEDICATED fundraiser from Spreyton has donated a large sum of money to the Children's Hospice South West by entering one of his hand-crafted Nativity sets into a charity draw.

Children's Hospice South West supporter David Pike raised more than £5,300 when he entered his work of art to help towards the completion of another children's hospice in St Austell.

The festive work of art will have pride of place at Little Harbour, which the charity aims to open by the end of next year.

It is hoped the Nativity set will be enjoyed by families for the hospice's first Christmas in 2011 and in many years to come.

Mr Pike, who has raised more than £20,000 through selling draw tickets to win his specially made Nativity sets over the last four years, said: 'The figures are made from a tree that fell down in a storm in London 1987.

'The timber for the sides was donated from an army barracks years ago, so it already has a lot of history.'

Families who use the services of Children's Hospice South West are set to benefit further thanks to the winner, Margaret Harding, who kindly donated the Nativity set back to the charity.

Margaret Harding, from Burton Bradstock, said: 'I am delighted to donate my prize to such a splendid cause and I hope all the poorly children who stay in their wonderful new hospice will enjoy this very beautifully crafted Nativity scene.

'My husband and I wish Children's Hospice South West every success with this worthwhile project.'

Children's Hospice South West head of fundraising Emma Lloyd said: 'It is very exciting to think that Little Harbour could be welcoming the first families by the end of next year — and what a lovely welcome it will be with this beautiful Nativity set on display.

'The response to our appeal to build a children's hospice in Cornwall never ceases to amaze me.

'We are truly grateful and it is this continued support that will see Little Harbour turn from a dream to a real home from home, where families with life-limited children can make the most of short and precious lives.'

For more information about Children's Hospice South West and the different ways to help the Precious Lives Appeal build Little Harbour, phone 01872 261166 or visit http://www.chsw.org.uk">www.chsw.org.uk