A group of women have raised more than £400 for charity with 'a touch of glamour'.

The Athena West Essex Ladies’ Networking Group hosted the summer fundraiser at The Menzies Hotel in Manor Road, Chigwell, last week (July 21).

The event, which consisted of a buffet lunch and the opportunity to buy second-hand clothes and bags, raised funds for Essex-based Brainwave Children’s Charity.

The chosen charity supports over 600 families of children with a wide range of additional needs including cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, autism and developmental delay.

Athena’s Stella Fehmi said: “This was a lovely, fun event and a wonderful way to lend our support to an incredible charity that is a lifeline to so many children and their families in Essex.”

Gerry Gould, community manager for Brainwave added: “We can’t thank Stella and all the wonderful women who attended this event for their support for Brainwave.

"We don’t receive any government funding so their support is vital to us to continue our work with the youngsters who benefit from our Children’s Therapy Centre.”