TUTU-wearing chefs took on netball aces at their own game in a madcap charity stunt – and almost won.

Cooks from Clacton-based Bespoke Caterers swapped their chefs’ whites for frilly ballet skirts after deciding they could give the Frinton Flames netball team a run for their money.

The game raised money for Colchester Hospital Charity’s campaign for a new cancer centre.

Bespoke Caterers boss James Oxley said: “We had already started sponsoring the Flames and, chefs being chefs, said we could easily play netball and beat them at their own game.

“As a company in the last year or two we have all been affected by cancer with family, friends and even a colleague all being diagnosed and losing their fight with cancer.

“We felt we needed to do our bit to help towards raising the £4.5 million needed.

“We settled on having the netball match and then a fancy dress party at Frinton Golf Club. A local band called The Landed offered to play for free, as did our DJ from Complete Events.

“A lot of our suppliers offered raffle prizes, along with Colchester Institute and Southfeast.”

The Frinton Flames girls triumphed 23-21 in the end – watched by a large crowd.

Mr Oxley said: “We hope the whole event has raised about £2,500 which will be divided between the Colchester Cancer Campaign and the British Heart Foundation.

We enjoyed the netball and the party that much we hope to run the event on an annual basis.

“A massive thanks must go to all the people that brought tickets and supplied prizes.”