RESIDENTS of Chard may have spotted the town’s mayor buzzing about in a garish yellow suit at the weekend as he launched his latest fundraising effort.

Garry Shortland was on hand with other town councillors as they unveiled plans for a new Wonderful Bumble Bee Ball.

The event is in support of the town’s mobile chemotherapy unit, which is called Bumble, and is run by the charity Hope For Tomorrow.

Cllr Shortland said: “Although the NHS staff it, the running costs are all down to the charity.

“We pay for the fuel, the drivers, an equipment needed.

“It costs about £12,000 a year to run it.”

The dress code for the event is yellow and black, with Garry setting the tone early.

He added: “This is my last big push as mayor. The actual unit is called Bumble, so it seems logical that our ball takes inspiration from that.

“We have the Wessex Big Band playing, who are excellent. We are also going to have an auction and a raffle.”

Fundraising for Hope For Tomorrow has been ongoing throughout Cllr Shortland’s time as mayor.

“We must be over £5,000 at least so far because we got £1,800 for the Halloween event alone,” he said.

Tickets for the Wonderful Bumble Bee Ball are available now in the Guildhall.

The event is set to take place on March 23.

The doors open at 7pm for dinner at 7.30 followed by live music from the Wessex Big Band.

Individual tickets are £20 and table bookings are £180 (for 10 people).

These are available from the Guildhall between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, or contact Liz on 01460 260055, or email community@chard.gov.uk.