STOCKDALES was ‘bowled over’ by its Autumn Ball, after £19,000 was raised in a single evening.

The Sale-based disability charity held its annual ball at the Raddison Blue Edwardian in Manchester recently, with BBC Radio Manchester’s Becky Want hosting.

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, three-course meal and entertainment by swing band Dominic Halpin and the Honey Bs. The after-dinner charity auction raised more than £19,000, making it the charity’s most successful event of the year.

The money will be used to help the charity with its work supporting children, young people and adults with learning difficulties.

Emma Morris, Stockdales’ chief executive, said: “Everyone is completely bowled over with this fantastic result. As a local charity, we rely on the income we raise through the various events we hold throughout the year.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the Autumn Ball as much as we did and we look forward to welcoming our guests in the future.

“Big thanks to everyone involved and helping this to be an incredibly successful event, the people who joined us on the night and our donors, sponsors and organisers. Special thanks also goes to our main sponsor, Hydro X Water Treatment Ltd, for their continued support."

Anyone wishing to support Stockdales by raising funds or volunteering should contact Natalie James, fundraising manager on 0161 973 2296 or e mail natalie.james@stockdales.org.uk.