The first-ever Ladies' Night at Mistley Village Hall has proved a big hit.

The event was organised by Mistley Pre-School, which holds regular fundraising events.

But this time, the group took a break from the usual sales, discos and sponsored events.

And the raunchy alternative proved a smash hit.

Pre-school chairman Jo Clarke said: "Events are usually based around the children, so we thought we'd do something completely different, and this was it."

About 90 people enjoyed karaoke, singing and dancing before being entertained by Mac, a member of the Chippendales, Dream Boys and co-founder of Lap Attack, the first-ever male lap dance troupe.

Mrs Clarke said: "It well down really well. It was an absolutely brilliant night."

The evening raised about £250 and now plans are in the pipeline for a similar event next year with a pre-Valentine ball, in February, and a gentlemen's night to mark St Patrick's Day.

Two days earlier, the pre-school had held a coffee morning, during which the youngsters presented a Christmas play, raising more cash.

Published Monday December 17, 2001