CORSHAM Town Hall was the unusual setting for an evening's cross-dressing, spelling tests and musical mayhem all to raise funds for the NSPCC.

Members of Corsham Chamber of Commerce put away their office wear and donned gym slips and boaters to become the Belles of St Trinians.

The party on Saturday attracted around 70 people, with Jenny Lane playing the role of Miss Milicent Fitton, headmistress.

She supervised a general knowledge quiz and a spelling test to make sure her pupils were up to the mark.

Then Karin Meeke led a performance of musical favourites, such as Food Glorious Food and Three Little Maids from School are We.

School dinner was served up by students from Chippenham College, with sausages, mash and onion gravy followed by treacle tart and custard.

Chamber president Ian Dodd won the prize for best school girl costume.

"He had borrowed a bra, and he had a wonderful bosom, big blonde pigtails, freckles and a boater," said Lindy Ruskin, who organised the event with Christie Stone and Catherine Wade.

The proceeds from the evening, including a silent auction and a raffle, look set to exceed £500.

"The chamber was almost moribund until Ian became president," said Ms Ruskin. "This was our first social event just to show we can still kick up our heels."