TWO best friends have decided to celebrate their 60th birthdays by holding a garden party in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (CFT).

Denis Garrett and Jerry Pawlak are organising an afternoon and evening of fun and food, with live music, clay pigeon shooting, golf putting, plus other games, an auction and a bumper raffle.

They hope to raise £2,000 through the party, which will be held at Denis’ home at Lower Windyeats Cottage in Forest Road, Redlynch, on June 12.

Mr Garrett said: “Jerry and I met through playing football for Amesbury and Durrington when we were teenagers. We’ve always been best friends and we share the same birthday.

“We thought we ought to do something special for our 60th birthdays so we decided to have a big event for a charity instead of having presents.

“My daughter Julie-Ann had cystic fibrosis and died aged six in 1976, so the CFT has always been dear to my heart.”

Salisbury band Ricky Vernon and the Pathfinders will be performing music from the 1960s, and there will be classic cars on display from Austin Healey club members.

Items up for grabs in the auction include golf lessons, a flying lesson, sporting memorabilia, a signed first edition book by Leslie Thomas, a short break at a New Forest venue and more. Raffle prizes include a £100 John Lewis voucher, and a range of gifts and other vouchers.

Tickets cost £10, which includes food – a hog roast and paella is on the menu. Numbers are limited to 250, so call Mr and Mrs Garrett on 01725 511516 to reserve tickets.