Fashionable women have raised £1,150 in aid of a Southend charity which helps women through the pain of breast cancer.

Southend Women's Guild of Friends presented the cheque to charity group Bosom Pals, after raising the money through a fashion show at Westcliff Hotel.

Kath Tonks, secretary to the guild which meets on the second Wednesday of every month at Clarence Road Baptist church in Westcliff, said the women always chose a charity which was close to home and helped people in the local community.

She said: "We pick a different charity every year to raise money for. This year it will be the Essex Air Ambulance. Bosom Pals, which is linked with Southend hospital breast unit, helps women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It offers advice and someone to share experiences with.

"We put on a fashion show and the owner of the women's clothing store Robita offered her services, including models. We also had coffee mornings and bring and buy sales."

Kath said the group, which has many social events, holidays, trips and speakers during the year, is open to all women and welcomes new members.

Cashing in - Nancy Taman, centre, collects the cheque from Bosom Pals June Foster and Myriad Hubbard

Picture: MIKE NEVILLE

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