HATS were all the rage at a special charity evening hosted by Sue White, Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, and held at Bridges last Thursday.

The purpose of the evening was to raise money for Young Carers, one of the two charities (the other is the Army Benevolent Fund) chosen by Sue in her role as Chairman.

"People don't realise just how many children there are looking after parents and siblings and the enormity of doing that - it's a grown up job. They are so responsible but also very proud of what they do and they do it with love," said Sue. "It's not sympathy that they want, it's support.

"I chose Young Carers as one of my charities when I was Mayor and they said it gave them a profile, so I decided to support them again."

Sue struck on the idea of a hats' evening when she was travelling to a civic function, wearing a hat.

"I thought it could be a fun evening, with cheese and wine and a chat about hats!"

Ladies fashion shop Harts, who supply Sue's hats, kindly agreed to bring along some of the many hats Sue has worn in her roles as Mayor and Chairman.

Each hat had a story to tell as members of the public discovered at Bridges on Thursday.