The fabulous Best of British Party organised by Joe and Mel Barnett and Lucy and Gary Wooding is fast becoming a favourite with many local party goers. Joe and his team who are pictured above presenting the funds raised to Pete Thornton, were inundated with requests to repeat last year's event and they certainly rose to the challenge.

This year's party was held at Parkstone Yacht Club, which proved to be the perfect venue for almost 180 guests. Everyone had made a superb effort with their fancy dress, costumes ranging from Hi-de-Hi's, Gladys Pugh to Elton John. Almost every aspect of Britishness was represented and the fabulous costumes got the party off to a great start.

A huge thank you to Joe and his team who raised an incredible £2297.90 on the night. Thanks must also go to Barclays and employee, Karen Wallbridge, pictured above left, who volunteered her services and worked extremely hard selling raffle tickets on the night. Local businesses were incredibly generous too with their donations of prizes for the raffle which made a big contribution to the funds raised. The matched funding that Karen organised through Barclays made a massive difference to the final total and we are extremely grateful to both Barclays and Karen for their support.

Joe is a great friend of the JTYAF and has raised over £3500 this year alone. He not only organised this fabulous Best of British Party but also ran a Marathon for the JTYAF and took part in the Ferndown Pram Race. We can't thank Joe and his team enough. They are already planning next year's party which is definitely not to be missed.