TAUNTON'S hottest swing band will be making their first public appearance in town at a charity event tomorrow (Friday).

The band, made up of knitted woollen figures, has been invited to a coffee morning in aid of two good causes - SURE and the NSPCC.

Mayor of Taunton Deane Cllr Ken Hayward has chosen to support the charities during his year in office and he is hoping the band, created by Norton Fitzwarren resident Lilian Sylvester, will help swell the coffers.

The coffee morning, organises by Norton resident Mollie Eastwood, is being held in the grounds of St Mary's Rectory, Taunton, by the kind permission of the Rev Rod Corke.

The event starts at 10.30am and runs until 1pm. Cllr Hayward and Mayoress Mary Hayward, hope to meet as many people as possible.

Lilian Sylvester presented the Mayor with the woolly band, asking for it to be used to help raise money for the charities. The group now needs a name and people can come up with suggestions for just £1 a go. The provider of the winning name will receive a £50 cash prize.

The coffee morning will also see the launch of the Mayor's Golden Raffle with prizes including a helicopter flight, a case of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, a bouquet of gold flowers and a 'gold standard' dinner for two.

Proceeds from the raffle and the ball will be shared by the two charities.