IAN Gutteridge has 'bailed out' a charity barn dance that was short of hay bales to help create atmosphere on stage and in the hall.

The owner of Creature Comforts in Harold Road, Cliftonville, came to the rescue of organisers of the event that is a fund raiser for the Dad's Quest prostate cancer appeal at Margate's Hartsdown Technology College on Friday (September 18).

When Ian heard of their plight he offered to transport bails of hay to and from the venue. He said: "They are doing a cracking job raising money for such a worthwhile cause as a prostate cancer scanner, as well as promoting the need for men to have regular prostate tests. I was more than happy to help Dad's Quest when the Thanet Extra informed me of their need."

Charlie Pepper, founder of Dad's Quest, said: "Ian is a star. His generosity means that the stage and hall will look much more authentic for the barn dance. His support is typical of the response we have had to Dad's Quest all year."

The featured band at the show is WaterShed, sponsored by estate agents Milton Ashbury. The event runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm and tickets are £5, available from Hartsdown College reception.

Participants are invited to wear suitable fancy dress and take along their own picnic and drinks.

Dad's Quest has so far raised more than £8,000 this year, enough to pay for one mobile scanner for the Thanet area. Working with the Graham Fulford Trust, it has organised prostate tests for hundreds of men locally. Dad's Quest is the chosen charity appeal for 2009 for the Isle of Thanet Extra and kmfm for Thanet.