HUNDREDS of Barrow residents turned out in their gladrags to support a charity ball event.

Furness Slimming World consultants managed to raise more than £2,000 for St Mary's Hospice with a glamorous ball at Abbey House Hotel.

Dawn Attwood, 56, and Sue Park, who both live on St Luke’s Street in Haverigg, are full-time Slimming World consultants – with Ms Atwood working out of Millom Rugby Club and Ms Park at St Pius School.

The two neighbours came up with the idea for the charity initiative over coffee. The ball proposal won out in the end, on the basis it would allow the pair’s clients to celebrate their year’s achievements in style.

Ms Attwood said: “We’ve been fundraising for St Mary’s all the way throughout the year – and estimate we should end up having raised around £4,500 by the time 2019’s out - but this was something we thought should be a little bit special.

“Walking into that room was fabulous – seeing all of these people dressed up in tuxedos and gowns was fantastic. As consultants it made us feel so proud.”

“The raffle table was immense,” Ms Attwood said.

She estimates there were around 160 Slimming World members in attendance, along with other visitors including two St Mary’s Hospice workers, Clare Paling and Charlotte Bartlam-Windle.

Clare Paling said: “A huge thank you and congratulations to Slimming World Sue Park and Dawn Attwood for an amazing night at Abbey House with all your lovely members.

“A staggering 738 stones had been lost throughout 2019 by just the members in the room - amazing! Pounds lost, and pounds gained by St Mary’s - £873 on the raffle last night to add to a fabulous year of fundraising. It’s been a pleasure to be part of this partnership. Thank you again all for your support.”