Atmospheric touches made all the difference at the Mermaid’s New Year’s Eve party – and the hats were good, too. (0698195)

A LAVISH, Western-themed party not only hailed 2009 in style, but raised money for charity.

The little, atmospheric touches emanated further than the tavern itself. On the way down the pitch-dark drive, suddenly out of the darkness came the unmistakable strains of the theme from Clint Eastwood’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, apparently coming from the woods behind the pub.

A little further down the hill we passed groups of cowboys and saloon girls making their way to the party. It seemed the Wild West had truly come to Herm.

Once at the Mermaid, the illusion was complete. Swinging saloon doors were perfect for making an entrance. Inside, Confederate flags adorned the walls, sawdust covered the wooden floor and there was even a large moose head hung on the wall above the blazing fire.

The cowboys and -girls, Indians and saloon girls were served by old-time barmen, complete with bow ties and curly moustaches, and free bar snacks were provided throughout the evening.

We had a Little Britain tribute in the shape of a red-Spandex-clad ‘only gay cowboy in the village,’ and Tavern manager Tom Jones sported hat, poncho and kilt to make him the only celtic one of the night.

One imaginative partygoer was dressed as a tepee.

Island resident Tom Harvey, who as keeper of the Herm herd actually can claim the title ‘cowboy’, considered bringing one of his calves to complete his costume, but wisely decided against it.

The highlight of the night was the Wheel of Fortune. A cartwheel hung on the wall had numbered envelopes attached, containing prizes ranging from £50 cash to a packet of peanuts. Winning tickets were drawn out of a hat just before midnight and the result was £170 raised for Help A Guernsey Child.