IT'S party time all over again for St Leonard's Hospice, with the news that York's big weekend of revels has raised no less than £10,000 for our Hospice 2000 Appeal.

The cash boost has come from the many Let's Party events at the beginning of July, when celebrations were held across the city with the joint aim of having fun and raising funds for the hospice.

The amount includes £5,000 from the Community Fun Day, which was a joint effort between St Leonard's Hospice and its neighbours in Tadcaster Road, York College, where it was held.

Hospice fundraising manager Janet Morley said: "It was a wonderful day, and we are very pleased to have raised at least £10,000."

There could be more good party news to come, as some people are still collecting cash from the various shindigs.

The latest piece in the Let's Party jigsaw has been provided by Muncaster Residents' Association, whose chairman, Roy Hearn, handed over a cheque for £750 to St Leonard's Hospice staff nurse Chris Bayne.

That money was raised during a packed, all-day programme at the 68 Centre, in Monkton Road, on July 1.

It included children's races and fancy dress, dancing demonstrations, drum majorettes, stalls, games and carpet bowls, and there was a party in the evening. The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, dropped in on the festivities, and the following day the association had a float in the York Carnival 2000 parade.

PICTURE: BOOST: Roy Hearn, chairman of Muncaster Residents' Association, presents a cheque for £750 to St Leonard's Hospice staff nurse Chris Bayne, watched by Barbara Hearn, Maud Davis and Doreen Holdsworth Picture: Steven Bradshaw