A CHARITABLE fund toasted its most successful night ever after smashing its fundraising record.

The annual Barrow Community Trust charity ball saw 130 guests dig deep in their pockets and donate towards the grant-making body at Abbey House Hotel on Saturday night.

Live music, auctions and raffles raised thousands of pounds towards the trust, which is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and gives money to worthwhile projects across Furness.

A concert by Soul Survivors was one of the highlights of the evening, along with a delicious three-course meal at the black tie event. 

In total, £7,155 was raised on the night from charitable donations and ticket sales, with an extra £800 given to the trust from Love Barrow.

It means this year the trust will have more money than ever to hand out to small organisations that make a big difference.

Jen Collier, committee member of the Barrow Community Trust and ball organiser, said the night was a spectacular fundraising success.

She said: "It was a very, very good evening. There were 130 guests and we had Soul Survivors who were very good.
"We had some fantastic auction and raffle prizes. The total money is just £45 shy of £8,000. It's the most we're raised.

"The hotel was wonderful and they have always been good to us. We had a great deal of fun.

"It's all for the local community groups which we help and for them to set up projects.

"There are lots of different things that we help with."

Guests at Saturday's gala included local dignitaries such as the mayor of Dalton, Councillor Wendy Maddox, and the high sheriff of Cumbria, Richard Lee.

Many businesses in Furness purchased tickets and tables for staff to have a fun but philanthropic night.

Barrow Community Trust champions local organisations which make a difference to the lives and health of residents and has, over its 15 years, given huge sums of cash to community centres, children's playgrounds and youth clubs.

Some of those who have benefited over the years from money raised at the annual ball have included the Sir John Fisher Foundation, Drop Zone Youth Project, the Barrow  and  District Disability Association and Four Groves Community Association.

The bulk of Barrow Community Trust's fundraising comes from its annual spring ball at Abbey House Hotel.

Lots of businesses, including Bender, Stollers and Milners Printers, supported and sponsored Saturday's event.