CHARITY leaders were overwhelmed by the generosity of their guests at a Ladies Lunch which raised £46,000.

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust was joined by 350 guests and its patrons at the Mamma Mia-themed event at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa.

Guests were transported to a Greek taverna with the themed décor, which included olive trees, pink blossom, rustic urns and stage backdrop thanks to MediaCo, and long-term supporters Keyteq put the final touches to the Mediterranean theme.

Each guest was treated to a goodie bag worth £70 thanks to donations from Next, L’Oreal and Transformulas, and discounts for Zero Gravity Float Spa and Transformulas

Host Paul Sleem kept the ladies entertained throughout a day of fun, which included fun games of Hit or Miss and Pass the Mic, prizes for which were donated by Pulse of Perfumery of Knutsford and Cottons Hotel and Spa.

The CAFT Boys dazzled guests with their costumes, wigs and dance routine to the Abba favourite ‘Does your Mother Know?’ The troupe consisted of the charity’s new head of operations Ian Eccles, with trustees Nick Montague and Mike Bulcock and staff Tom Lockett and Rob Bashforth.

The Boys then lent a hand in one of the charity’s special raffles when the ladies handed over their £10 raffle entry for a chance to win a Mulberry handbag worth £595.

New CAFT Patron Emma Jobling presented the lucky winner Debra Holt with her prize. She was joined by long-term patron and ex-Corrie star Jennifer James, who presented diamond raffle winner Catherine Sandland with a diamond necklace worth £1,000 sponsored by Kellands of Hale.

Paul Sleem guided the ladies through the auction, which featured prizes including an exclusive day on the set of Cold Feet (courtesy of patron John Thomson) with an opportunity to star in a scene, as well as a luxury overnight stay at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House and tickets for Little Mix and Rod Stewart.

Event organiser Pippa Watton said: “Just when we think our Ladies Lunch can’t get any bigger or better, we’re proved wrong. This year’s event was amazing, with the theme bringing sunshine to our otherwise disappointing summer.

“Our ladies never let us down when it comes to fundraising and fun, and there was a real party atmosphere from beginning to end.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests and fantastic sponsors, and can’t thank them enough.

“There are so many people who worked very hard to make the event a success, and without their support this event wouldn’t have been possible.”

Pictures by Andrew Collier Photography