AN UNEXPECTED visit by a rare bird to an MP’s home has raised £800 for two charities.

Pembrokeshire South MP Simon Hart raised the money by opening his garden at Llanmill, near Narberth, in late April to birdwatchers who flocked from all over the UK to see a rare green heron.

“We were happy to let people stand on the lawn to look at the bird and we provided tea and coffee,” said Mr Hart.

“They were very generous and we raised £800 in 10 days.

“It was only the eighth time the bird has ever been seen in the country and we had visitors from as far away as Scotland and Norfolk - it was amazing to hear how far they had travelled.”

Mr Hart donated £500 to the Paul Sartori Hospice and £300 to the bird charity Songbird Survival.

Sandra Dade, charity manager for the Paul Sartori Foundation said: “Seeing such a rare bird in this part of the world just goes to show how environmentally important Pembrokeshire is. The rurality of our precious county definitely has its benefits.

“But the downside is the widespread reach to those who need help at the end of life, and this is where Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service supports our community.

“We couldn’t deliver the quality of care that we are so well known for without help. Thank you to Simon for thinking of us and his very kind gift and thank you to everyone, near and far who made a donation.”