SOUTHEND Hospital's charitable foundation held its first fundraising golf day at Garon Park and raised an impressive £7,500 for the benefit of the StrokeBusters Appeal.

Nineteen teams including Southend company Drag and Drop and Maxims and Mint Casinos of Westcliff battled it out for top spot, which was won by the White Hart pub, Hockley.

The event was sponsored by Shoebury-based company Graphic Data.

Following a sun-drenched day of golf, companies contributed to an auction with many items including a signed rugby shirt donated personally by England legend Lawrence Dallaglio.

All money raised will be used towards the ongoing improvements to the facilities at Southend Hospital's stroke unit.

Chairman of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, Colin George, said; "We are delighted that such an amazing sum has been raised towards our appeal and we are very grateful to all the companies who participated and sponsored holes and in particular to our main sponsor Trevor Bassett of Graphic Data and to Philip Donovan of Choice Discount Stores for all his help."

Mr George added: "The improvements to the stroke unit are very heartening with significant reductions in mortality rates and disabilities caused by stroke. With additional funds we can continue to improve the service to our patients even further."