HIKING boots and woolly hats gave way to black ties and evening dresses as the Children of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust celebrated their third annual gala dinner.

The youngsters, attached to Bury C of E High School, staged their event at Horncliffe Mansions, Edenfield. And the group raised their glasses to toast a remarkable year.

They are flushed with success following their recent ascent of Mount Kenya and from their achievement in capturing the "best overall presentation" award in the recent Bury Young Enterprise finals.

During the dinner, group co-ordinator and link teacher Jackie Vet read out a letter from Daphne Sheldrick who runs a home for orphaned animals in Kenya's Tsavo East National Park.

Last year, the pupils completed fund-raising for a windmill which has now been established at the park. And the youngsters are busily involved in another round of fund-raising to provide a second windmill.

Referring to the scheme, Mrs Sheldrick stated: "There is no more meaningful project anyone can do than provide water in a hot and thirsty land which benefits all the members of the wild kingdom, both large and small.

"You deserve high praise and we cannot thank you enough for making this dream a reality."

Children of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have already made a "down payment" of £5,000 towards the second windmill.

The money was handed over to Mrs Sheldrick when the pupils visited Kenya in February. Now, they are keen to pay the remaining £5,000 balance as soon as possible.

To this end, the group is holding a "summer soiree" on Friday, June 8, at Horncliffe Mansions. During the evening, a superb carvery dinner will be served and there will be dancing and a disco.

Information about this event, and details about all the children's work, can be obtained by contacting Jackie Vet on (0161) 761 3010.