SUPPORTERS of Oxford’s Helen and Douglas House were treated to an open day at the children’s hospice to thank them.

More than 500 people took the opportunity to see behind the scenes – with children treated to a visit by Minnie Mouse, a miniature Shetland pony and a Mercedes Formula One racing car.

Director of support services at the East Oxford hospice, David Pastor, said: “It was a great day.

“It can be difficult for us to arrange these sort of events and show people around the hospice, but this day gave us a chance for our backers to find out what a difference their support makes to us.”

The hospice costs £4.5m a year to run, with the majority of funding coming from voluntary donations.