THE Argus Appeal has received its biggest donation in its 51-year history.

The generous gift comes from the trustees of an even older charity, who think that after 65 years of providing help to sick and infirm people in Brighton and Hove, it is time for their group to “retire”.

The four trustees of The Brighton And Hove Hospice Fund handed over more than £130,000 to The Argus Appeal.

Nicholas Owen, The Argus Appeal’s patron, said: “I am so delighted the trustees have decided to pass on this money to The Argus Appeal. We will be able to help more families and organisations at a time when so many people are finding life even more difficult than usual. What magnificent work the Hospice Fund has done over more than half a century. Their terrific example will be an inspiration to us in the years to come.”