Sutton’s Mayor hosted a reception and presentation evening for a competition to grow the tallest and widest sunflower.

Last year Sutton residents and surrounding areas took part in the competition with seeds provided by organiser Sutton’s Magic Circle Magician and chairman of the Sutton Complementary Health Network Theo Theodoris.

More than £12,000 were raised for the Neonatal Unit at St Helier Hospital and The Royal Marsden, in Carshalton through the selling of pack of seeds, an auction and raffle and donations.

Prizes for Tallest Sunflower, Widest Head of a Sunflower, Funniest Picture with your Sunflower and School or Nursery with Tallest Sunflower were presented by Mayor Margaret Court at the event at the Civic Offices.

The money raised in the Sunflower Competition will go to buy a £17,000-“SimBaby” which is a baby simulation doll which can provide intensive and practical education for both staff and parents.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or supporting the Sunflower Competition, or in making a donation should contact Theo Theodoris at theo@magictheo.com.