A CHARITY ball in Worcester raised nearly £30,000 for the city's St Richard's Hospice.

The annual Snowdrop Ball was held at Sixways, Worcester and attended by more than 400 guests who enjoyed an evening of dining and dancing.

Supporters gave generously to the live auction, led by Knight Frank’s Will Kerton, and to the raffle and silent auction. Later in the evening, they were entertained by live band Soul Trader. The party continued late into the night with dancing to the sounds of Midlands Leisure Disco and a casino for those that did not want to take to the dance floor.

Rachel Jones, fundraising manager at St Richard’s, said: "It was a fabulous night with everyone pulling out all the stops to look glamorous. The evening really kicked off the festive season with a bang. We are very grateful to the sponsors Britannia Bennetts of Malvern and npower and to all those who donated items for the live and silent auctions and raffle. It takes a massive team effort from staff, volunteers and the entertainment team, who we couldn’t do it without.

"Due to the generosity of our guests, this year’s ball was a record breaker, raising more money than previous years to help the hospice continue to care for patients at the end of their lives and support their loved ones through bereavement.”