
More than £1,800 was rounded up for good causes at a Wild West-themed fundraiser.
Around 100 people saddled up and moseyed on down in their finest cowboy gear to Upper Eden Rugby Club, Kirkby Stephen, in aid of Cruse Bereavement Support (Cumbria) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Mandy Morland organised the event because she was keen to do something for the two charities close to her heart instead of marking her 50th birthday in December.
Texas Tornados, from Lincolnshire, provided the music and entertainment, with Nickels and Dimes, from Kendal, offering beginners lessons on line dancing.
Fell & Dales Catering supplied the hot supper, followed by cake treats from Mandy.
The fabulous raffle was supported by donations from local businesses along with prize donations from Mandy’s friends.
Guests bought tickets to attend which included local people plus visitors from far and wide.
Mandy was surprised when many of her dear friends from her college days arrived unexpectedly, having travelled to the Eden area from Dubai, Warrington, Pickering, Carlisle and Hawkshead to support the event.
Mandy said: “It was a fun-filled themed night with everyone getting in the party spirit and the effort made to dress up was fantastic and numerous prizes were given out for best dressed groups.
“There was a lot of laughter, dancing and good old fashioned fun. A phenomenal amount of money was made from the raffle and, along with donations and ticket sales, I am delighted to announce we raised more than £1,800 with £1,000 for Cruse and £864.50 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
“I set a personal target of £500 for each charity so I am overwhelmed with the results. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this charity event so successful.”