FANS of rock group Queen raised £1,000 at a glittering party to celebrate the 50th birthday of the late Freddie Mercury.

Organisers of the event, Horwich based "A Kind of Magic" which raises funds and awareness of HIV and Aids were delighted with the amount, which is the most they have raised from a single event.

About 200 fans travelled from all over the country to attend the "Freddie Scandalous Golden Boy Birthday Bash" at Horwich Ex-Servicemen's Club, on Friday night. Most were wearing fancy dress with a golden theme in honour of the former lead singer's 50th birthday, which would have been on September 5.

"It was a fantastic night and to raise £1,000 was absolutely brilliant. We're really pleased," said Denise Silcock, founder of "A Kind of Magic". "There were some wonderful costumes, people were very imaginative. I think more people than ever turned up in fancy dress."

Every year since Freddie's death, the organisation have tried to mark his birthday in a special way such as commissioned paintings or a bronze bust which have been raffled to raise funds.

To mark flamboyant Freddie's golden year the group came up with an everlasting tribute by having a star named after him and the highlight of Friday's party was the raffle, with the actual certificate naming the Freddie Mercury star, as first prize. This was won by Rachel Waring, of Preston, who Denise says has attended every event.

Two parties are arranged every year and Friday's, the eighth, included a live performance by top Queen tribute band, Ga Ga, a 100 per cent Queen disco, giant video screen plus record stalls and the fancy dress competition.

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