AN APPEAL to send British Olympic athletes to Atlanta has been given a £2,500 boost after a charity event at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Stars from the world of sport, television and stage dined alongside the general public at a gala celebrity lunch.

Highlight of the event was a charity auction which alone raised around £1,700. Coronation Street actress Sherrie Hewson turned auctioneer and items included a watch which was once owned by 1950s singing star Paul Anka.

There were also special appearances from former Olympic heroes, including a 1936 Polish boxer who flew in just for the show before jetting straight back to Moscow. He took to the stage to explain how important funding was.

The event, organised by the Midland Bank in Cleveleys, ended with a fashion show by Jill Perkins.

Celebrities offering their support included Tracy Dawson, Summer Holiday star Darren Day, club owner Basil Newby and North Pier star Danny La Rue.

Organiser Val Thorrington said: "Everybody really enjoyed themselves and it was great to see so many people turning up. We want to say a big thank-you to everyone who helped."

Donations to the British Olympic Appeal can still be made through any branch of the Midland Bank.

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