HER Southampton regulars are used to being greeted by a landlady who looks like one of the lads, dressed in trainers, workman’s trousers and a baggy jumper.

However, to raise money for one brave teenager Andrea Jensen – or Man-drea as she is known – put on a posh frock and some lippy and wowed the punters at The Ark in Townhill.

The makeover of the 41- year-old mum-of-one included new clothes, make-up, tan and hair, and took about 48 hours of hard work on the part of her friends.

Few things could have persuaded her to undergo this transformation other than the chance to raise money for seriously ill 17-year-old Aaron Browne who is battling type two neurofibromatosis – a condition that means benign tumours grow around the central nervous system.

The teen has had 13 tumours in total, gone deaf, lost control of facial muscles and had surgery five times but still is determined to live a normal life and is looking forward to starting a computer course and learning to drive.

Andrea said: “Everyone in here knows Aaron and he is very well liked so I’ve always said when we talk about fundraisers it has to be to help him. Although I must admit I really didn’t feel like wearing Nora Batty’s dress out in front of all my customers, most of them have never seen me out of my blokey gear. It will be another 25 years before I dress like this again.”

The packed bar erupted with hoots and cheers when the glamorous owner glided into view behind the beer taps. Many of her long-serving customers didn’t even recognise her at first until she started heckling them.

Aaron said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw her. I was amazed – she looks so much nicer and more ladylike. I know how much she must have hated dressing up and I can’t put it into words how much this means to me.”

Almost £400 was raised and Aaron has decided to donate it all to charities that help people with his condition.