VINTAGE enthusiasts were transported back to the 1950s on Sunday as the Friends of a market town’s hospital hosted a fundraiser with a difference.

The Friends of Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, threw the fashion-inspired Fabulous Fifties Afternoon Tea event at St Mary’s Hall in aid of the charity.

And guests - who turned out in their finest 1950s frocks and suits - were not disappointed.

Costume historian and author, Lucy Adlington, of the History Wardrobe, provided the main entertainment with her theatrical and comic presentation of the decade’s fashion through the eyes of a housewife.

Her Cinderella transformation from her pinny and headscarf to glamorous cocktail dress and everything in between showed off original vintage pieces which guests were invited to peruse afterwards.

They were then treated to a full afternoon tea with everything from sandwiches to scones, cakes and macaroons being served in vintage china.

All the refreshments were home-made by Friends’ chairwoman, Marie Yarker, who had spent two days making the feast.

The Friends made a total of £550 from the event.

Friends’ secretary and publicity officer, Iris Hillery, said: “It was good to see a lot of new faces who are not necessarily regular supporters of the charity so it is introducing the Friends to a wider audience.

“We thought we’d try something different instead of a fete or table top sale and it was a lot of fun for the half a dozen people who did all the organising.”

People are also invited to the Friends’ Annual General Meeting at the hospital, tomorrow, at 7pm.