THE plan was easy -- invite a few friends round for a nice sociable meal and a few drinks. The cost: £1,400.

For Ken and Susan Harvey and their friends Steve and Diane Williams who footed the bill, however, it was all well worthwhile.

The story goes back to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity Ball held at the Reebok last October. It raised thousands for the charity, and included an auction.

One of the prizes was to have top local chef Mike Harrison cook a meal for eight people in their own home. Local businessmen Ken and Steve decided to bid for it, with £400 each their ceiling price.

But the prize proved particularly popular. Bidding went up steeply. "And we got a bit carried away," admitted Ken. By the end of the bidding, they had agreed to pay £1,400.

And when the meal took place at the Harveys' home in Kentford Drive, Bradley Fold, at the weekend, the money didn't matter.

Ken, who has a haulage business in Farnworth and Steve, who has an employment agency in Widnes, each invited friends to join them. "It was just brilliant!" reported Ken, aged 52.

Mike Harrison brought fiancee Lyndsey Grannell and helper Becky Dickens with him, and the trio set to work in the kitchen of the Harveys' modern detached home.

For Mike, who normally has a staff of 10 at his successful restaurant he runs on the Paragon Business Park in Horwich, it was, he says, "a bit different."

For the Harveys, the Williams and their friends, it was gourmet heaven.

On a beautifully set table, with a variety of wines on offer, the six-course meal proved just what the food fans ordered.

"It was served beautifully, and tasted wonderful," said Mrs Harvey. "Every course was great -- Mike even baked his own bread in our oven."

In fact, the diners enjoyed themselves so much that they didn't finish their "evening meal" until 4am. Not surprisingly, Sunday was spent quietly at home.

But, far from regretting the cost, both couples felt it was money well spent in an excellent cause. "In fact, we'd like to do it all over again," said Mr Harvey.

And for Mrs Harvey, there was one great bonus. All the clearing up and washing of dishes and pans was done by Mike and co. "The kitchen was spotless ," she said.

MENU

Champagne and canapes

Thai style won tons with a lemon grass infusion

Assiate of fresh fish -- rare tuna with paw paw salsa, potato cake topped with mascapone and smoked salmon, potted prawns finished with brown shrimps, monk fish wrapped in bacon with a mustard sauce, striped sea bass and a clam with rocket essence

Sun-blush tomato tartin

Rump of Welsh lamb honey glazed with vegetable confit and red wine reduction

Marinated goat's cheese and walnut soldiers

Choice of desserts

Coffee and goodie bags