COLOURFUL clowns, cheeky elves and fluffy ducks were just some of the characters who turned up to a Blackpool fancy dress party organised by a Blackpool mum to help disadvantaged children.

The event was organised by Victoria Spencer to raise money for the NSPCC after she heard about the Full Stop campaign and rang the charity to see how she could help.

Victoria, of Vicarage Lane, Blackpool, told the Citizen: "I was told I could send a donation, help with displays in shops or do some fundraising so I decided to give the fundraising a go.

"I have never done anything like this before but I enlisted the help of four friends and together we organised and ran the fancy dress party.

"I have kids of my own, so that's where the interest comes from. The Full Stop Campaign promotes the idea that cruelty to children must stop, full stop and I strongly agree with that."

The group of friends managed to secure sponsorship from local shops and businesses and were loaned a room in the Alpine Hotel at the Pickwick Tavern on Waterloo Road to hold the party.

Victoria explained: "We had 150 tombola prizes and more than £200 worth of raffle prizes all donated by our sponsors. The whole thing was a raging success.

"We charged the children £1 to come in and, together with the money raised on the stalls, we have a total of £569.50 to send to help the NSPCC campaign.

"It was hard work, but such a buzz to have done something so worthwhile and see the kids enjoying themselves. I'd definitely consider doing something similar again."

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