FISHGUARD Bay Hotel was transformed into the Wild West last Saturday as The Orange Country Hoedown came to town.

The #Teamharding event was organised by Fishguard Ladies Circle, Fishguard and District Round Table, 41 Club and Tangent to raise money for Paul Sartori, in honour of Fishguard cancer campaigner Luke Harding who raised more than £30,000 for Ward 10 Withybush Hospital and other cancer charities, during his own fight against cancer.

Cowboys and cowgirls enjoyed live music from Memphis Belle, cowboy canapés and food and line dancing. The Bay Hotel looked the part with straw bales, a country and western jail, photo props, saloon signage, lights and saloon music.

Almost 200 tickets were sold for the event and the total amount raised will be announced in the next few weeks.

"Words cannot express how delighted we are," said organiser Lisa Devonald.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the support of the local community for this charity event.

"We really want to thank everyone who supported us by buying tickets, raffle tickets, taking part in the auction and by totally embracing the night with fantastic country and western fancy dress and line dance moves.

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A big thank you to everyone who dressed up, partied hard and danced the night away to Memphis Belle Country Duo and Nick's Country and Western Disco with Fishguard Dance Academy - you all made this charity night so memorable in honour of the truly inspirational Luke Harding - you are all amazing."

Lisa said the event wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of some very special organisations, businesses and people.

She thanked all who had contributed to the country and western theme: Allison at the Flower Garden for the beautiful orange table flowers; Pink Bon Bon Sweet Bar for the amazing sweet cart, delicious sweets and fairy lights; Pretty Seats and Bows for the chair covers, Straw Events for the straw bales; Cresswell's Café for the Jail scene and artwork; Fishguard Garden Centre for the cactus plant pots.

Lisa also thanked Cymer Ofal Taking Care Ltd for sponsoring the best fancy dress award; Right Price Print for the giant hoedown posters; FDA Fishguard Dance Academy for weeks of line dancing classes and line dance calling on the evening; Nick Cleary for his awesome Country and Western Disco; Tor Jones and Johnny Morris for photography on the evening, and to Stena Line Fishguard Port for financial support.

Raffle and auction prizes were kindly donated by Fishguard Bay Hotel; Ty Gwyn Camp site; Mayberry Kayaking; Allt Yr Afon Hotel; Jude Cresswell; Gerwyn Davies; Scolton Manor Health and Leisure Club; Cresswell's Café; Priskilly Golf Club; Martin and Danielle's Butchers; The Sloop Inn; The Royal Oak; Peppers; Jane Williams and Stena Line.

"Thank you also to Fishguard Bay Hotel for agreeing to be our venue and allowing us to bring straw bales into your lovely hotel - not many venues would embrace our night and be so brave - a huge thank you to you and all the staff for the evening and for the fantastic food and service," said Lisa.

"Thank you so much to the event organisers Fishguard Ladies Circle, Fishguard and District Round Table, 41 Club, and Tangent who pulled out all the stops to put on this night so thank you to every single one of you for all your help, support, enthusiasm and passion for this event that is so close to our hearts.

"More than anything in the world we would like to thank the Harding family who supported us in holding this event to raise money for Paul Sartori Foundation in honour of their wonderful son Luke Harding, who will always remain an inspiration to each and every one of us."