GREAT Yarmouth Lions Club’s annual Petticoat Lane Market last week did a roaring trade for local charities and fundraisers.

The event, again held in the Market Place on Friday, attracted 25 organisations which had the chance to showcase the work they do, and fundraise at the same time, with shoppers browsing the stalls and stands, including new mayor Cllr Barry Coleman in his ceremonial robes.

And for once, it didn’t rain.

Lions spokesman David Pye said: “It was a lovely day, windy but sunny. The mayor was there for well over an hour and toured and chatted to all the stallholders.”

Mr Pye added that the newly-formed Great Yarmouth First Responders were represented and were “very enthusiastic” about their organisation. The First Responders are trained volunteers with defibrillators who help suspected heart attack victims before the ambulance and medics arrive on scene.

During the fair, handled by fete and gala organiser Philip Mobbs, new Lions president Denise Freeman presented a cheque for �300 to Mr Coleman for the borough’s annual children’s outing.

It had been a busy time for the local Lions: last week they were on duty in Market Gates with the Diabetes Screening team, and 21 members of the public volunteered to have checks made by Lloyds Chemist to find out if they were at risk.

On Friday, several members helped welcome the incoming president to Norfolk Broads Lions, and on Bank Holiday Monday, local Lions turned out for Southwold Lions Club Fete.

In the evening, Denise Freeman was one of the team at Vauxhall Holiday Park where the club Lion tombola was a welcome addition for visitors.

l To find out more about the Lions, contact Denise Freeman on 01493 601299 or secretary Graham Gibbins on 01502 730923