South Ribble Mayor and Mayoress having a Grand old time on ladies day in Leyland

Mayor and Consort of Wyre Councillor Alice Collinson (Mayor) with South Ribble Mayor, Coun Mick Titherington and his wife Carole

The horses came in as guests enjoyed an alternative ladies day. The Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble, Mick and Carole Titherington, organised their own Ladies Day lunch at The Hallmark Leyland Hotel.

Horse's shock visit to Chorley bookies just before the Grand National

Guests enjoyed a lavish lunch, and watched the Grand National on TV screens in the suite.

Each attendee had pulled out a horse’s name from a blind draw and cheered them on during the big race.

The Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble Coun Mick Titherington and his wife Carole

After the parties had worked up an appetite, they enjoyed afternoon tea.

MC Dave Ashley kept people entertained by providing his own commentary and even sang a few Frank Sinatra hits in between races. Singer Emelina James also belted out some soul and R&B favourites.

South Ribble Mayor, Mick Titherington, says; “Everyone really enjoyed the occasion.

“The races were screened live so people could see it. People picked horses out of a hat and if they had the winners, they won prizes.

Angie Fairhurst and Barabra McKenna at the alternative Grand National Day at the Hallmark Leyland Hotel

“I wish to thank our five main sponsors for the event – Stagecoach; CW Berry; Baxi Heating; Brian Pilkington Estate Agents and PFPM (Preston) Ltd.

“We had other entertainment during the day, as Emelina James sang and Dave Ashley was great. He gave everyone the inform-ation they needed and then in between the races he performed a Frank Sinatra tribute.

“This event was the Mayoress, Carole Tithertongton’s idea.

“She had attended a similar event organised by the Mayor of West Lancashire last year.

Ladies having fun at the alternative Grand National Day at the Hallmark Leyland Hotel

“She enjoyed it that much she wanted to organise one for her constituents.

“It was a really fabulous day, where everyone had fun.

“We are not sure how much money was raised but we expect it to be more than £2,000.

“They money will go towards the Mayor’s three chosen charities: St Catherine’s Hospice, Defying Dementia and Heartbeat.”

Jen Kirkpatrick at the alternative Grand National Day at the Hallmark Leyland Hotel

The Mayor’s next event will be a Commonwealth themed afternoon tea at Leyland Civic Centre on Friday April 27, from noon until 3pm.

The event, co-organised by Vice Lord Lieutenant Col Alan Jolley, will include Indian and African dance and a short film about the history of the Commonwealth countries.

Tickets are £15.