A garden party to commemorate the life and work of Fenland author David Self raised £900 for charity.

Cambs Times: Coates: Guide Dog garden party (Photo: Barry Giddings)Coates: Guide Dog garden party (Photo: Barry Giddings) (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)

The party, with live music and readings, was held at the Coates home he shared with his civil partner Majid Jawad.

Cambs Times: Coates: Guide Dog garden party (Photo: Barry Giddings)Coates: Guide Dog garden party (Photo: Barry Giddings) (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)

Mr Self died in June 2008 aged 67 and, apart from last year, a fund raising event has usually been held on the anniversary of his death.

Guests at the party were treated to Pimms cocktails and a buffet supper whilst they enjoyed live music from a variety of local musicians and singers.

Mr Jawad said: “It was a great occasion and I was delighted so many attended. We even had an Iraqi family from London attend who had heard about the event from a cousin of mine in Iraq.”

Local officials from Guide Dogs also attended and explained to guests how fund raising is so important to support their work. Among the guests was a recent recipient of one of their dogs who chatted to guests and told them how vital it was for her mobility and the opportunity it gave to life a normal life.