Hitchin youth support charity Phase has been delighted by the response to this year’s Fair in the Square, which has raised almost £4,500 to support its work.

The crowd-pleasing event in the town’s Market Place in June saw cheese-eating, strength-testing and more – along with a star raffle prize of a Seat car.

The car was won by David Lyons, but he wanted to see Phase benefit even further – so he sold the car to Bethany Murray, and donated all his profits to the charity.

Phase director Kieran Murphy said this seemed fitting as Bethany had been supported by the youth charity during her schooldays in Hitchin.

Kieran said: “We want to say a huge thank-you to all the companies and businesses who donated prizes – which included a car from AZ Autos! – and to everyone who came along, donated to the cause and bought raffle tickets.

“The money raised is going to help expand our work with children, to grow their wellbeing and resilience, so that they have the tools to cope with life when teenage struggles kick in.

“A recent report highlighted the huge increase in young people struggling with self-harm over the past 20 years, and Phase is passionate about preventing these issues before they manifest themselves in behaviours such as self-harm.”

AZ Autos director David Alvarez said: “Phase is one of the most worthwhile causes going – and we are delighted to have helped spread the word about their work and raise money for them to continue.

“Investing in the lives of young people is more important than ever given all the pressures and issues they face, Hitchin is blessed to have Phase working in the schools of the town.”

Fellow fair sponsor HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors’ Jane Marland, herself a parent, added: “We see Phase as an incredibly important asset to the town – working tirelessly to support the young people in Hitchin. It’s great to see such a significant amount of money raised to contribute towards their work in the future.”

Phase works across all Hitchin’s schools to support young people when they need it.

To find out more about Phase, have a look at phase-hitchin.org or give them a call on 01462 422940.