IF you want to get ahead, get a hat.

Vera Stringer, North West fund-raiser for the Stroke Association, is hoping people will dig out their fanciest head gear on March 9 for the charity's national Grand Hat Day.

"We want everyone of any age to wear a hat for the day, be it to school, college, work or even the shops and pay for the privilege," she said.

Schools will get involved with children making their own hats and being sponsored to wear their own creations.

Anyone wanting an information pack for 'Grand Hat Day' can contact the association on 0208 695 6557.