A DORCHESTER cafe raised £300 for a good cause with an 'electrifying' charity fun day.

John Fiori and the team from the Horse with the Red Umbrella dressed up as characters from the hit musical Grease last Friday, to raise money for Autism Wessex.

The shop, on High West Street, was transformed into a 50s-style diner for the day as the team donned leather jackets and quiffs to transform into their characters.

Mr Fiori, who owns the cafe, said: "It was a really good day.

"It never ceases to amaze me, the generosity of our customers, and our staff who gave up their tips.

"We had burgers and hot dogs for sale, and Grease music playing all day as well as other 50's and 60's style music."

Grease was the word on everyone's lips as customers tucked into popular 50's food such as cola floats, waffles, fries and shakes.

Mr Fiori said staff at the cafe came up with the 'Diner for a Day' theme ahead of the event, which ran throughout the whole day.

Customers sang and danced along to 'Summer Nights' and 'You're the One That I Want,' amongst other songs from the popular musical's soundtrack, as they enjoyed the array of American-style treats.

Mr Fiori said the staff even had a jig with the customers when they heard their favourite tracks.

He said: "The customers joined in the fun. Everytime a good song came on they started dancing."

Donations were collected throughout the day for the charity, which provides high-quality specialist services for people affected by autism and associated difficulties.

The total amount raised was £300.06.

Mr Fiori said: "The customers made it. I think the amount raised was amazing, as it was just for a day. The generosity of the customers was incredible."

The cafe aim to hold a charity day once a year to raise money for Autism Wessex.

The costumes were donated by Jenny at Alter Ego on Monmouth Road and the programmes and menus were sponsored by Studio Print in Burraton Yard.