A keen fundraiser is hoping the force will be with her as she prepares to host a black-tie event in aid of a good cause.

Guests are being invited to dress up as Star Wars characters for this year’s event, to be held in Chester Racecourse on December 3.

Stormtroopers, imperial guards and Twi-Leks will be making an appearance, with all proceeds going to the Matty Newall Fund.

The fund was set up in memory of Shelly Boynton-Newall’s former husband Matty, who died in April 2008 from pancreatic cancer aged just 35.

Funds go in aid of The Christie, a specialist cancer clinic in Manchester where Matty received support and treatment.

Shelly said: “We have had such good support and the Star Wars characters were such a success last year they will be back and hopefully it will be bigger and better.”

Shelly has recently stepped up her fundraising efforts by being part of a 10-strong team for her fourth Great North Run.

She said: “This year I was lucky to be joined by my new husband Chris, who I married in May this year.

“He has been so supportive of the work I do and I also ran with my friends Amy Davies, Lisa McIvor, Angela Banks, Chris Banks, Adam Lawrence, Paul Hennessey, Jeremey Finnan and Gemma Finnan, raising more than £6,000 for The Christie.”

This year’s fundraiser will feature a three-course meal, an auction, entertainment and a disco, followed by complimentary tickets to Cruise after, tickets donated by the nightclub.

Auction prizes this year include a villa in Bulgaria, Chlobo jewellery, a Boodles necklace, a signed and framed Liverpool shirt and a signed and framed Everton shirt.

Tickets are £40. For details, visit www.mattynewallfund.co.uk or search for ‘The Matty Newall Fund’ on Facebook.