CHESHIRE charity the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust has raised a five figure sum with its annual ladies' lunch.

Around 350 supporters of the Millington-based charity enjoyed the event on June 8 at The Mere - and helped to boost the charity's coffers by £39,000.

The funds will provide holidays for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the region.

Guests were greeted by themed stilt walkers and a drinks reception was followed by a spot of shopping and pampering organised by CAFT volunteer Carol Robinson – including nail treatments and stalls selling leather handbags, jewellery, clothing and even gin.

Host Paul Sleem kept the ladies entertained throughout the day but it was the men of CAFT that stole the show. The Adventure Farm Trustees and Staff (including their Chariman Nick Montague and Treasurer Mike Bulcock) surprised the ladies with a YMCA dance routine in full-on Village People costumes.

Many of their wives were among the guests but were also in the dark – and were shocked when their husbands appeared and strutted their stuff on the stage.

The Butlers in the Buff joined the CAFT Village People to sell soft toys in a United Airlines special raffle, the winner of which was presented with two flights to either New York or Washington D.C. by CAFT patron Jennifer James and United Airline’s Jane Beeley.

The event’s organiser, Pippa Watton, said: “This was such a fantastic event and as ever, our ladies didn’t let us down when it came to fundraising and fun! Everyone was so generous, we’ve been overwhelmed by their generosity.”