Care home staff are preparing for their second garden fete in memory of a much-loved colleague.

The annual Colne House summer fete is dedicated to former staff member Sabu Matthew, 53, who died after being found unconscious in the care home’s car park in November 2015.

The event, which is now in its second year, offers a host of attractions, including a new boot fair, set up in the gardens of Colne House care home, in Station Road, Earls Colne.

Proceeds from the fete will be split between the residents’ fund and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, who had attempted to save Mr Matthew’s life.

Clair Mitchell, Essex Fundraising Coordinator at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) said: “We are touched that everyone at Colne House will again be supporting us in memory of Mr Matthew.

“Thanks to everyone involved in organising what should be a wonderful afternoon.

“Our service is provided free of charge and receives no direct funding from the Government so we depend on the generosity and goodwill of supporters to continue saving lives.”

The event will include a range of traditional fete games for the whole family, such as a coconut shy, a welly wanging challenge and guess the name of the teddy.

There will also be cake and craft stalls and many other attractions including Prosecco and strawberries to celebrate Wimbledon finals day.

Home manager Amanda Schofield added: “Last year’s fete raised more than £700 for the air ambulance which is such a good cause and based in our village.

“This time we are also raising money for our residents’ fund which pays for extra activities and outings.”

The fete takes place between noon and 4pm this Saturday.