Licence to thrill at Bond-themed charity evening (From Wharfedale Observer)

Licence to thrill at Bond-themed charity evening

9:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

There were more spies than you could shake a golden gun at when a Horsforth schoolgirl’s charity held a James Bond ball at the weekend.

More than 70 people vied to be voted the best 007 or Bond girl lookalikes at Saturday’s glamourous event, which raised more than £3,000 for the care of sick children.

Jack Aynsley, who works at The Old Ball pub in Horsforth, carried off the 007 title, while Olivia Wooler from Yeadon was voted the best Bond girl.

The competition was part of a topically themed fundraiser for the charity Bethany’s Smile, which was set up by 13-year-old Bethany Hare.

Meanwhile the real 007 – actor Daniel Craig – supported the event by donating five signed items for auction, including a windjammer jacket from the set of the new movie, Skyfall, which has its premiere on Tuesday.

Bethany’s mum, Yvonne, said: “The ball was fantastic.

“I have never seen so many people looking so immaculate – everyone had made an amazing effort. It must have been the best-dressed event in Leeds on Saturday night.”

Other celebrity items that went under the hammer included a signed shirt from football star Ronaldo, two signed books by Charlie Boorman, a signed book by Alan Titchmarsh, signed DVDs from comedian John Bishop, and signed CDs, t-shirts and tour programme from musician Ed Sheeran.

Award-winning teenager Bethany has raised about £30,000 since setting out to help youngsters at Martin House Hospice three years ago.

She has now branched out through her charity to raising money for children outside the hospice, who have chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

Bethany, who together with three friends has formed a girl group Sweet Charity, performed at the fundraiser in Leeds. Among the other performers were fellow pupils from the Scala School of Performing Arts, as well as the function band Func on the Rocks, which has supported Bethany at previous events.

Mrs Hare added: “Stuart Andrew MP made a wonderful speech talking about how Bethany had first contacted him three years ago while he was head of fundraising at Martin House Children’s Hospice – Stuart then went on to talk about the aims of the charity.”

Photographs were taken by Paula Brown, of Ollievision Photography. Visit Ollievision.co.uk to order.