BUILDER Mark Mason and his mates helped to raise more than £500 for the special care baby unit at the Great Western Hospital by dressing up as women.

And they hope to double the figure with a Valentine's Day party next month.

Mark, who works at Steele Davis, decided he wanted to do something worthwhile and chose the unit because his wife Claire underwent open heart surgery when she was a baby 22 years ago.

Family and friends, workmates and business contacts got together for a party at New Year. "The men decided to dress up as women, so we went round all the charity shops getting our outfits," said Mark, 39, of Tudor Walk, Walcot.

"It was a great laugh."

After the Valentine's Party for family and friends, the group is hoping to be able to hand over more than £1,000 to the hospital.