THEY were dressed to the nines in glamorous dresses, expensive handbags and high heels.

However this was no ordinary function or bow-tie event – but instead a charity race.

The annual drag race at Southampton’s Titanic pub saw nine men dress up as women and women dress as men, all to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The winner of the road race which saw them start at the pub in Simnel Street, they then went along Castle Way, through St Michael’s Square and back to the watering hole by running down Bugle Street.

They were cheered and wolf whistled at by hundreds of people – many of whom were enjoying Music in the City.

The winner was Nathan Freeman who dressed up with a yellow top and black skirt; he was closely followed by Santoch Phagura who had a specially made creamy dress for the race and also wore a ginger wig.

The event, which is in its fourth year, was hailed as a huge success by organisers who are hoping it can raise more than £2,000.

Landlord of the Titanic Pub, Martin Geer, said: “The whole thing is a really good fun event, obviously you have to put a bit of fun into fundraising.

“The crowd were fantastic, it was a real eye-opener for a lot of them.”

Already his thoughts are turning to next years race which he hopes will be ‘huge’.

Mr Geer, added: “We are in talks with a promotional company to make this into a mega event.”