BUTTERFLIES are being released in memory of loved ones.

Families are invited to the annual Tea at Three at Halton Haven Hospice to remember their relatives and raise vital funds for specialist palliative care.

The summer event is held from 3pm on Sunday in the hospice grounds on Barnfield Avenue, Murdishaw in Runcorn.

Guests will enjoy live music, tea and refreshments as well as stalls from local exhibitors and entertainments.

The butterfly release is a touching way for families to lend their thoughts to those they hold dear who are no longer with us.

Butterflies can be bought in advance for £12 each and will subsequently be available to pick up during the event.

The butterfly release will take place at approximately 5.15pm in the afternoon.

The event will continue to play host to a selection of music including a performance by Palacefields Ukulele Group.

Runcorn musician Gareth Heesom, 38, will play his charity single A Million Butterflies inspired by the butterfly release and sold in aid of the hospice.

A selection of children’s entertainment will take place during the day include a face painter, giant Connect 4 and an appearance from Axel the Owl.

Guests will be able to visit a variety of stalls from local exhibitors and the hospice itself.

Refreshments will be available including ice cream from the Cheeky Ice Cream.

The event will also play host to the judging of a competition to find a doggy mascot for the hospice, an initiative created and orchestrated by the hospice’s interim chief executive officer Viv Culleton.

Chris Andrews, senior fundraising manager at Halton Haven Hospice, said: “Tea at Three is a wonderful occasion.

“The butterfly release is a beautiful and touching moment in which we think of our family and friends who are no longer with us, while the event provides an enjoyable afternoon for families to visit the hospice and spend time together.”