AN event that started because its organisers just loved to dress up is celebrating having raised more than £29,000 for charity in the last seven years.

Lez Collins and Julie Webber, together with a few friends, launched their first charity ball in Minehead in 2007.

After going to a party, they decided they loved the idea of having a reason to put on their glad rags and within days the venue was booked and the first ball was rolling.

And earlier this month Lez and Julie - the remaining organisers - staged their fifth event, bringing in a total of £6,218 for this year's chosen charities, the Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance and SURE, the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

The 2014 ball was again held in the refurbished ballroom at Minehead's Hobby Horse, with owners Carol and Derek Merson giving the venue for free and their chef cooking up a hot and cold buffet.

Lez said organising the event had become easier each year as local businesses continued to pledge their support.

This year holiday giant Butlins stepped in with a generous cash donation and some food.

"We have so many people to thank for help, support and donations, however small, as it all goes into making our nights great evenings," said Lez.

"And the money raised shocks us each time."

This year Paul Yates took on the role of DJ and compere, with the Defibrillators and Johnny Mars providing the music.

A host of local businesses donated their services to ensure the evening went with a swing, supplying everything from photographs to food.

The next ball will be in 2016 to allow the women who love to party at least a year off to recover.

Pictured at the presentation of cheques to the charities, from left, Carole Summerfield, Julie Webber, Sheila Tutt, Diane Albutt, Lez Collins and Derek Albutt.

Photo: Paul Scullion