A FUNERAL manager has helped to raise more than £10,000 for a number of children’s charities.

Julian Hayley from Tapper Funeral Services joined hundreds of fantasy and science-fiction enthusiasts at a role-playing game convention.

Julian, a liaison officer for Conception role playing game convention, helped organise the five-day event, which saw 400 people from across the world descend on Hoburne Naish in New Milton.

Julian said: “On behalf of the committee I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Conception event.

“What started as two day weekend convention has now grown to a five-day event. It takes a year of planning but it’s all worthwhile when we raise an incredible amount for charity.”

Participants, who travelled from as far away as mainland Europe and America, raised £4,000 for Round Table Children’s Wish, £3,000 for Marfan Association UK and £3,000 for Autism Wessex.

There was also £1,000 for Honeypot – this year’s chosen charity at Hoburne Naish – and a further £500 for New Milton Round Table.

The Round Table ran the event in conjunction with local role play groups Bournemouth Berserkers and Poole-based Have Dice Will Travel.

The annual event has raised more than £120,000 over the past 14 years.