LIPSTICK, powder and eye-shadow helped to rake in the pounds and pence for two military good causes last week when staff at Minehead coffee shop Cream hosted a fundraising cosmetics party.

With the help of local Virgin Vie at Home agent Rachael Knight, Cream manager Sarah Ryan enlisted the support of colleagues Janet Sax and Karolina Rutynowska for an evening of pure indulgence.

Guests were treated to make-up demonstrations, facials and massages in return for donations totalling more than £500.

The money will be split between forces charity Help For Heroes and to buy sports equipment to send out to members of 40 Commando Royal Marines, who are currently on duty in Afghanistan.

Sarah's husband Paul is a sergeant major in the platoon and said the marines, who are usually based at Norton Manor Camp, would appreciate a parcel-drop of sporting equipment.

She thanked everyone who had supported the event, especially Tony Pryce Sports, which discounted the cost of the sports equipment to enable even more items to be sent out to Afghanistan.

Pictured from the left are, back, Janet Sax, Karolina Rutynowska, Steph Williams of Tony Pryce Sports and, front, Sarah Ryan.

Photo: Steve Guscott