THE red cross of St George is still going strong in certain quarters despite England’s capitulation in the soccer World Cup.

For at the White Hart in Welwyn brave hearts who enjoyed a special lunch on his saint’s day have good cause to celebrate.

The event attracted a host of regulars who enjoyed traditional fayre – and raised plenty of cash for WGC-based Isabel Hospice.

And this week a giant cheque was handed over for �1,642 to hospice patron and Welwyn Hatfield Times editor Terry Mitchinson.

Doing the honours were lunch organiser and village stalwart Kim Elliott and White Hart landlord Piers Lyon.

Kim said: “It was a great day spent dining with good friends and raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Piers said: “After such a successful St George’s Day lunch last year, we were determined to raise even more money in 2010 and were delighted to get an even greater turnout with 48 diners.

“An added bonus was the very generous donation from The Charles Wells Pub Company of �400 which helped us reach a grand total of �1,642 for Isabel Hospice.

“Thanks to everyone who attended, I look forward to achieving an even bigger target next year.”

Terry added: “On behalf of Isabel Hospice I’d like to thank all those who attended and who donated so generously. A big thanks to the brewery which added to the pot.

“Having been at the event myself, it was a memorable occasion.

“It is good to see St George’s Day being properly celebrated once again, while at the same time being used to help people during their time of need.”