An Alice in Wonderland-themed fundraiser held in Falmouth to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Penhaligon's Friends attracted dozens of people dressed in extravagant outfits who parties in "weird and whacky" surroundings.

A Mad Hatter's Cocktail Party was held at the Greenbank Hotel during the evening and was preceded by a Mad Hatter's cream tea during the afternoon which enabled those who could not make it to the main fundraiser, and children, to get involved.

The events had been organised by Mary Gander, the charity's vice-chair of trustees who lives in Falmouth, with help from her Mad Hatter's posse of volunteers who drew on their creative flair to come up with an appropriately extravagant evening.

"It was a wonderful night with all sorts of props," said Chantal Worden-Evans, Penhaligon's Friends' volunteer coordinator. "There were quite weird and whacky surroundings - the whole hotel was transformed - and there was a bed of nails, two different bands and a vocalist with a buffet.

"It was lovely in terms of turn out and pretty much everybody was dressed in something weird and whacky, keeping to the Alice in Wonderland theme."

The theme was chosen as the charity, which supports bereaved children, young people, parents and carers throughout Cornwall, is celebrating its 20th anniversary which is marked by china - giving rise to the tea party idea.

Around 180 people attended the cocktail party, but it is too early to say how much was raised through that and the earlier cream teas. It wasn't just about raising money, though, but also about celebrating the milestone and raising awareness of the charity.

"A lot of people have heard of Penhaligon's Friends, but are not sure what we are or what we do so we were able to spread the word," said Chantal. "Our 20th anniversary is a very special milestone for us. We are a small Cornish charity so we really want to shout about it."