LEG-WARMERS, leather jackets and leotards...

The music and fashion styles of the 1980s made a return to the dance floor in Oulton Broad last weekend, but the night of nostalgia had an extra significance for the friends and family of a popular teenager.

The glitterball was shining brightly on Saturday at the Winelodge in Bridge Road as it hosted the second event of the year organised by the Ellie Savage Memorial Trust to help children facing serious illness.

The Journal reported last month on the plans by Ellie's sisters Cassie and Natalie and six of her former school friends to organise '12 months of constant fund-raising' to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

They hope to raise thousands of pounds for the trust – which was set up in February 2003 following the death of 14-year-old Ellie from a brain tumour – with a variety of events and money-spinning ideas.

And their latest fund-raiser saw scores of people turn up to support their efforts.

Delighted with how it had gone, Cassie Savage told The Journal: 'It went really well – it was the busiest I have ever seen the function room. At first we were worried if enough people would come, but as it turned out more than expected turned up, so that was great. In total we raised �1,309 from ticket sales and a few donations on the night, including a �100 donation from Winelodge, which was very generous of them.'

Cassie and Natalie were joined by Ellie's six former school friends – Abi Harrod, Anna Banks, Gemma Roberts, Casey Wicks, Laura Smith and Robyn Harper – and they all donned wore fancy dress for the evening.

Costumes from classic 80s movies such as Fame, The Blues Brothers and Top Gun were all in evidence, as were a few shellsuits, and some classic shades, with one reveller dressed up as Super Mario.

Meanwhile, there was music from the likes of Madness, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Wham.

'Everyone dressed up in 80s clothes, which was much appreciated given all the effort everyone had made,' Cassie said. 'The DJ Alex Blowers instantly had everyone on the dance floor with some great music everyone enjoyed.'

The Lowestoft-based Ellie Savage Memorial Trust was set up to provide help and financial support to the families of children in East Anglia who have been diagnosed with cancer or a brain tumour.

Having raised �512 at their first event – a pub quiz in Pakefield – her sisters and former friends have lined up a number of other fund raisers, including bag-packing at local supermarkets during March – as part of Brain Tumour Awareness Month – and a trust team will be taking part in the Bungay fun run and half marathon in April.

Bracelets – featuring the symbolic trust logo of a dolphin – are also now on sale. They cost �3 each and are available from Beauty Matters in London Road South or Irene's House of Flowers in Pakefield.

'They're proving very popular so we're making more, after nearly selling 50 in the first few weeks,' Cassie added.

Visit the Ellie Savage Memorial Trust group on Facebook or log on to www.elliestrust.org/trust.asp