MORE than 400 people kicked up their heels in Washford to raise just under £1,700 for charity at a former Royal Marine Reserve's birthday party at The White Horse pub.

Jerry Lile invited friends to make donations to Help for Heroes, a charity which provides support for wounded soldiers, instead of giving cards and presents when he asked them to join him for his 50th birthday celebrations.

Marquees were set up opposite the pub and attendees were treated to Irish folk duo Rose and Christie, a free barbecue and 12-piece soul band Groove-a-licious, who provided the culmination of the night's entertainment.

"We put up the marquees in pouring rain the day before the party and I did wonder if people would turn up but luckily the sun shone on the day and it was perfect for the main event," said Jerry.

"I was amazed at how many people turned up on the night and would like to say thanks to everyone for their generosity in helping to raise so much for Help for Heroes, and in particular Tim at The White Horse," he said.

Having spent around four years in the Royal Marine Reserves from 1979, the Help for Heroes charity was close to Jerry's heart, and he had been looking for a fundraising opportunity.

Jerry said: "I believe that our troops are doing a good job for us in such tough circumstances and I think that we should be able to support them when their need arises.

"I had wanted to do something for Help for Heroes for a while but was not sure how to go about fundraising so when I decided to have a big 50th birthday party I thought it was a perfect opportunity."

Over three months of planning went into the event but Jerry said the hard work was all worth it when everything went all right on the night.

"I thought the night was fantastic – it was everything that I imagined it would be and more.

"All of the planning was worth it and it was great that we could enjoy such a fun evening for such a good cause."

Jerry also thanked the collectors who raised £800 on the night with their collection buckets at the barbecue and bar and the companies, organisations and individuals who helped make the event a success.

Pictured from the left are White Horse landlord Tim Willis, birthday boy Jeremy Lile, helper and fundraiser Gary Sully, Pete Lancaster of Help for Heroes and helpers and fundraisers Andy Nicholas and Hannah Ball.

Photo: Steve Guscott