THE annual Whitegate Daffodil Farm open days has had another record-breaking year, smashing its previous fundraising best.

The farm welcomed more than 4,000 visitors during the 12 days of daffodil walks and raised £13,020 for Macmillan Cancer Support, beating last year’s record of £10,000.

Organiser Gail Jackson said: “This amount is very apt as this was the 13th year we have held the event in aid of the charity, making the total achieved so far to date £80,640.

“Despite this year being an early season the daffodils looked fantastic and young and old alike enjoyed the variety of beautiful blooms and of course not forgetting the fabulous fairies in the Magic Oak and Fairy village.

“It was wonderful to see families and children enjoying the fresh air and countryside, we were amazed considering how many people there were we encountered very little litter or damage, for which we’d like to say thank you.

“Thanks must also go out to our wonderful team of volunteers and cake makers, our local Whitegate sponsors - The Plough and Riverside Park homes and not forgetting local Children’s photographer - Helen Rae, who donated all of her profits to the charity.

“It was great to meet so many lovely people over the event, we’re now in the process of tidying up the farm, allowing the fairies and wildlife to return to normal and even thinking about next year’s event.”

The 35 acre farm at Foxwist Green, Whitegate has been home to Gail’s family for more than 300 years and the first daffodils were planted there in 1890.

Since then thousands of bulbs have been planted and today there are more than 600 different varieties, covering eight acres including a large collection of historic and new hybridisations.