AMATEUR sleuths set sail on a charity's first murder mystery cruise on Windermere.

The Gatsby-themed event raised £1,500 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation's 20th anniversary appeal, and featured actors from Morecambe's After Dark Murder Mystery Events theatre company.

Thanks to the support of Windermere Lake Cruises and Helen Barlow, of Baycliffe’s Premier Outside Catering, who prepared the two-course dinner, more money from tickets sales was able to go to the charity.

Tammy Hoskins, Rosemere’s south Cumbria area fundraising coordinator, said: “We were all a little nervous beforehand as the murder mystery cruise was something new to everyone but the amount it raised and the feedback from guests has been fantastic.

"The actors acting out the whodunnit were so professional and so clever that very few people were able to guess the murderer and the food and boat were great. Some guests came in 1920s costumes and, although most were local, there were also some holidaymakers too.

"I have had people saying they would love to come on it again next year and bring friends so we’re definitely looking to repeat it, and hopefully it will become an annual event.”

The Rosemere Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital provides radiotherapy and other specialist care to patients from south Cumbria and Lancashire, and opened 20 years ago.

To find out more and to donate, visit www.rosemere.org.uk