A CANCER fundraiser that saw Birstall turn pink this week is set to smash last year’s total, thanks partly to a race night.

About £350 was raised from ticket sales and the sponsoring of horses for the Irish Democratic League Club event last night (Thurs).

The race night was a sell-out, with prizes given to those wearing the most outlandish pink-themed costumes.  

The event was held for the national Paint The Town Pink Breast Cancer Campaign, which raised £1,500 on its debut in Birstall last year.

More than 50 venues, including virtually all the shops plus the library and pubs, created pink-themed window displays.

Angela Adams, community fundraising manager for the charity, was due to help judge the displays yesterday morning. 

One of the shops that caught the eye was new butcher’s Haggarts, who put up a washing line full of giant bras.  

Owner Dean Worsnop, who with wife Rachel has taken over the former Nelson Walker shop in Low Lane, was due to have his body hair waxed yesterday.

Dean’s waxing was to be held at the Powder Room, with Batley RL mascot Battler The Bulldog giving a helping hand.

Organiser Pat Thornes, of High Ridings Travel in Low Lane, said: “Last year people were very generous as it was a novelty.

“We’re not sure if we’ll have the same footfall, but things are looking good. The race night alone has us on course to beat last year’s total.”