Heart patient Anthony Hues, of Conock near Chirton, has raised almost £20,000 for the hospital that treated him.

Mr Hues, 41, had one of his heart valves replaced last year at Southampton General Hospital.

Mr Hues, who runs an arable farm in partnership with his father, Richard, and brother, Mark, at Conock, was born with a blocked heart valve.

At three months old he underwent an operation but he always knew he would need a new valve.

This was done last year and he was in hospital for five days.

Mr Hues said: “I wasn’t feeling bad before the operation. I was fit and healthy. The only thing I’ve noticed since having the operation is that my circulation is better.”

Mr Hues, who is single, decided to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat, the charity that supports people treated at the cardiac centre at Southampton General Hospital.

He raised a total of £19,397, most which was raised at a dinner dance, auction and raffle held at Wellington Barn, Calstone, on May 15.

Auction lots included a round of golf at Bowood and a hot air balloon flight.

Mr Hues is grateful to everyone attended and who donated prizes.

He said: “I couldn’t believe the amount raised. Beforehand I thought that about £4,000 would be good.”