The closure of a Luton former employees' association has given the Pasque Charity's Building for Better Care appeal an unexpected windfall.

The charity received more than £6,000 from the Kent Retired Employees Association. The money will go towards building a new eight-bed wing at the adult hospice.

KREA was formed in 1964 by ex members of the various Kent companies based in Luton at the time. Over the years these have either merged, relocated or been bought by other organisations.

Elster Metering Ltd, the last remaining Luton company in the group and the home of Kent meters, continued to support the association which met monthly at the Kent Athletic Club on Tenby Drive. But like many similar groups, attendances were dwindling and it was decided to close the association at this year's AGM.

Members felt that as Kent was a Luton company, KREA's remaining funds should be given to a local charity. With the Pasque's capital appeal in the news, the club knew their money would be put to good use within the community.

Pasque corporate fundraising manager Sue Clarke said: "While it's sad to hear about the demise of such a long-standing association, we hope members will find some solace knowing their fundraising efforts will be helping us create something that will last long into the future - an adult hospice with service and facilities second to none."

"Our Building for Better Care project is designed to ensure we can continue to provide the best adult hospice for local people both now and in the future."

Anyone interested in finding out more or keen to help with fundraising should contact the fundraising department on 01582 497849 or visit . www.pasque.org

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/pasque appeal