The sunflowers, which were grown on the site of the Buckham Fair – unused this year – will be available from local florists and farmshops. The proceeds will help the hospice to continue its life-changing care for seriously ill children and families in the local community.

Martin said: “The last two years have been so weird and difficult for everyone and every charity I know is struggling with so many of their usual fundraising activities limited or destroyed. It’s hard to imagine now the giant that Buckham Fair became – sixteen thousand people at the last one, along with their dogs and ponies. The fields are still up there with their beautiful views across Beaminster and out to sea, so this year I planted six acres of giant sunflowers to sell and raise some money for Julia’s House.

“We’ve never done anything like this before and had a tense wait to see how the crop would grow but now we have fields full of the most amazing flowers. I’ve been delivering them to local florists and shops to support the great work of the Julia’s House nurses and carers, who continue to provide their very special care every day for local children and families.”

Philanthropy manager at Julia’s House, Lindsey Kelly, said: “We are always so grateful to Martin for his amazing support for Julia’s House and shared with him the tense moments while we were all waiting to see if everything would come to bloom! We’re delighted the fields are now full of sunflowers and everyone has a chance to enjoy a little bit of sunshine in their home by buying the flowers, knowing they are also helping those most in need in their local community.”

The sunflowers will be available from shops including Rambling Rose florists in Beaminster, and Washingpool Farm Shop & Cafe, Rise Bakery and Frampton’s Butchers in Bridport. People are encouraged to make a donation to support the vital work of Julia’s House nurses and carers.