FRIENDS and family will be trying to keep up appearances with the Hallatts but it will all be in aid of a good cause.

Caroline Hallatt will be transforming herself into snobby Hyacinth Bucket to host a dinner party with a difference in aid of Cancer Research.

Mrs Hallatt, 33, Westlecott Road, Old Town, has organised a soiree themed around the TV comedy Keeping up Appearances.

So far 50 friends and family are booked in for the occasion on December 6, which includes a buffet, party games, raffle and auction.

Mrs Hallatt said: "Both family and work colleagues have suffered cancer, so I wanted to do something to help."

She intends to dress up as Mrs Bucket but her appropriately named husband, Richard, will not be taking on the guise of his henpecked namesake.

He will be playing the part of beer-guzzling Onslow.

Mrs Hallatt's father, Wilfred Joyce, 66, from The Lawns, is also on the guest list. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March and has since made a full recovery.

Mr Joyce said: "I had no symptoms and just went for a check up because my brother had it.

"They caught it early and I had an operation in June to remove my prostate.

"My check ups are coming through clear now and I am so glad it was spotted in time."

The raffle includes prizes such as a weekend in Devon and tickets to watch rugby in Bath.

Mrs Hallatt works as an operations manager at Zurich Finan-cial Services in Swindon, and the company is supporting the event.

She said: "They will match every pound we make, for up to £1,000.

"It is brilliant to have this backing."

Tickets for the event cost £10. For bookings call Swindon 504888.