BIG hats and posh frocks will be the order of the day for a novelty fundraising event in honour of Royal Ascot Race Day.

The mayor and mayoress of Pendle are holding the event in honour of the race day at The Oaks Hotel in Reedley.

Councillor Shelagh Derwent and Ann McGeorge will be joining guests for some fine food and a flutter on the horses on Friday, June 20.

They will also be combining the race day with a national initiative.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is again staging a Shades Day - a campaign to encourage people to wear sunglasses and raise awareness of the importance of eye care in the sun.

Race-goers will be asked to wear shades while sipping their drinks in the grounds of the Reedley stately home.

The day will start with a Bucks Fizz reception, followed by a four-course lunch and racing.

The money raised from the annual event will go to the Mayor's chosen charities - Sports, Fitness, Music and Drama for the Youth of Pendle, The Samaritans and the Air Ambulance.

Councillor Derwent said: "This should be a lovely day.

"We have timed it perfectly to combine both events, which should make for a fun and entertaining afternoon.

"It is a great way to make money for our chosen charities and hopefully win some at the same time with a little flutter."