A charity ball held by The Bolton News has raised more than £8,000.

The cash boost means the paper is now just £10,000 away from the £100,000 target for its Bolton Hospice campaign to revamp a dilapidated garden area.

Almost 300 people attended the Red and White Ball, which was held at the town’s Reebok Stadium.

Businesses and the public joined in the fun as an auction generated more than £4,500, while raffle tickets sold added £1,500.

Additional pledges meant the total surpassed the £8,000 mark.

The evening started with a champagne reception and a string quartet, and guests enjoyed a four-course meal followed by the raffle and auction.

The top lot was an electric guitar signed by McFly, which went under the hammer for £800.

Other lots included lunch for two on the Orient Express, which sold for £625, and a costume used by Coronation Street actress Beverly Callard, who plays Liz McDonald, which raised £100.

Editor Steve Hughes said: “The ball was a fantastic success and a great example of how the editorial, newspaper sales and promotions departments at The Bolton News work together.

“As a newspaper we are very keen on campaigning for the community we serve.

“The Garden of Tranquillity appeal has really stuck a chord with our readers who have been fantastic in their support for such a worthwhile local charity.”

The appeal was the brainchild of news editor James Higgins, and was launched last September to raise enough money to revamp the hospice’s garden with new pathways, private seating areas, a water feature, and a sensory garden.