DOZENS of men donned frocks, wigs, high heels and slapped on the eyeliner and lipstick as Derian House Children’s Hospice staged its 'Dames on the Run' fundraiser on Sunday.

From traditional pantomime dames, to Disney and fairy tale characters, 75 men turned frock stars for the day to show their support for the amazing Derian dads and raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

There were words of encouragement for them from star of hit TV comedy Benidorm, Sherrie Hewson, who started off the dames on their 5k route round Chorley’s Astley Park.

Sherrie, who has also appeared in Loose Women, Coronation Street and as Mrs Slocombe in the new Are You Being Served, said: “It is fabulous to see so many people turning out to support Derian House. The thought and effort that has gone into creating many of these costumes is phenomenal.

"It’s only right that the Derian dads should be the stars for a day, albeit while wearing a frock."

Among those taking part this year were several Derian dads, earning an extra-special round of applause as they crossed the finishing line.

Help to achieve that perfect look on the day was provided by media make-up students from Runshaw College, while fitness instructor Cheryl Forshaw led the Dames, most sporting wigs, through their warm-up routine to the sounds of ‘We Are Family’.

On the day, prizes were awarded to Ian Cock, from Burnley, who was first across the finishing line in a time of 19 minutes and 10 seconds. The award for the best selfie was shared by Panto Dames Andrew Savage, Paul Leadbetter and Stephen Clipson who will be starring in Snow White in Charnock Richard in February and the best-dressed Dame prize went to Craig Tessyman.

Head of fundraising at Derian House, Susie Poppitt, said: “It was fantastic to see the amount of effort and planning that had gone in to so many of the costumes.

“What makes this event so extra-special is that it places our Derian dads at centre-stage."

Money raised from Dames on the Run helps to support children who are terminally ill or have life-limiting medical conditions both at Derian House and in their own home, with expert staff dedicated to make every moment matter.

It is at the forefront of children’s palliative and respite care in the North West and also offers on-going bereavement support to families.