A COWLING resident who staged a charity night in his village for men's health charity Movember UK said the event raised nearly £700.

Jim Thompson and his fundraising group, called Geordie Jim's Boys, held a charity dinner at Harlequin Bistro, in Cowling last Friday night. (Nov 18)

Two of the three members of local band Undercover gave their musical talent for free, and the three-course meal was also accompanied by raffles, auctions and bingo.

Mr Thompson, 64, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, said more than 40 people attended.

"It was a roaring success," he said. "Harlequin put on a superb spread and Undercover got everyone singing along.

"It was all about getting everyone laughing and creating a great atmosphere."

The medication Mr Thompson is currently receiving for his illness means he cannot grow his own moustache to promote this year's "Movember".

So in honour of the annual men's health awareness raising event he is having a different style moustache drawn onto his face each day for the month of November.

At last Friday's dinner he sported a large handlebar moustache provided by Manchester-based theatrical suppliers firm Wigs up North.

Geordie Jim's Boys have so far collectively raised £47,000 for Movember UK.