LADIES raced to the Dormy House Hotel and Spa near Broadway to get some top tips on hats from milliner to the stars Robyn Coles ahead of next week's Cheltenham Festival (March 11 to 14).

Guests were treated to a champagne reception before a three-course meal including the Dormy’s famous crumble soufflé and a special talk from Robyn Coles.

The Welsh-born milliner began her professional life as a luxury goods buyer in London before training to be a hat maker and her launch at London Fashion week included a catwalk show featuring naked models wearing only her hats.

Since then she’s gone on to make hats for members of the British Royal family and also works with the Saudi Royal family.

Sarah Stacey, general manager at Dormy House, said: "The event was a lot of fun and our guests loved Robyn’s inspirational talk and philosophy that people should wear hats they love as opposed to what is supposed to suit them.

"By the end of the talk, everyone was wearing a hat and a big grin on their faces."