East & West Midlands

Red Hart

Kington, Worcestershire

The Red Hart in Kington is upping the stakes in a bid to have a record-breaking year raising cash for charity. It's hard to imagine the popular country pub failing to beat the £13,000 collected during a programme of zany events and functions last year.

Hoping to hit £20,000

"We would love to raise £20,000 next year," says Darren Hales, who manages the outlet for Union Pub Company lessees Jane and Barr Pritchard.

Darren (pictured with Jane) adds: "Having seen growth each year, we think it is achievable, not only in our business, but also in the money raised for the charities."

One particular highlight was a hair extravaganza night when one brave 65-year-old regular had his white hair dyed bright red - a stunt that netted around £1,700 in sponsorship money.

Darren says: "Every time someone donated, they noted the colour they would like to see his hair dyed - it ended up red."

Another big hit was a Titanic-themed charity summer ball, which raised nearly £2,500 for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Bizarre events

Since kicking off last year with a sausage eating competition, the Red Hart's fundraising activities have become so bizarre that they often feature in the local press and regional television. Among the many functions have been an African-themed guest bartender night and a Wild West family fun day complete with face-painting for children.

Darren says: "We are very proud of the fundraising we have done over the last 12 months, but we would not have achieved this if we hadn't had so much fun doing it."

Some of the organisations benefiting from the Red Hart's tireless efforts are the local blind association, a special needs school, a hospice, Breast Cancer Awareness, the Samaritans and the air ambulance service .

One function also raised hundreds of pounds for a school project in Africa.

Darren says: "We feel strongly that all our charity events must be imaginative, fun and different and we believe we achieve this."