A FANTASTIC Fancy Dress Evening, with a "slave sale", held at the Thelbridge Cross Inn, raised the magnificent sum of £4,065 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. A total of 192 people attended.

The event was organised by a group of ladies from Black Dog, Puddington and Morchard Bishop. During the evening a "slave sale" was held and in addition four men volunteered to be waxed.

There was also a draw, for which prizes were donated.

Everyone made a special effort to dress up in varied costumes, ranging from Scooby Doo to Little Bo Peep and Zoro. There were some fabulous wigs. The ladies would like to thank many local men for allowing them to sell them and wax them. The slaves donated two hours of their time for various duties.

Different parts of bodies were waxed following donations on the night.

The organisers would especially like to thank Thelbridge Cross Inn as well as Chris Boot who cane down from London to run the disco; Julie Fisher and Sarah Boyles who did the waxing; Richard Pringle who came to auction their slaves and David Blackford for supplying a doorman. All donated their services.

At an informal morning meeting with coffee and biscuits provided by the Thelbridge Cross Inn, five of the organising ladies - Shirley Bradford, Denise Bennet, Jan Powell, Melissa Cooper and Vicky Patmore presented Devon Air Ambulance Trust volunteer Gillian Gunn with a cheque for £4,065.

Also involved in running the event but unable to attend the presentation were Sam Seymour, Julie Lee and Sarah Aitchinsen. Karin Moffet