A CHARITY ball has raised more than £5,000 for Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

More than 200 people attended the Bollywood-themed event at the Dolphin Centre, which featured a three-course meal, Bhangra dancing, drummers, raffle and an auction.

The sold-out event was sponsored by Darlington Lions and supported by a number of local businesses who donated raffle and auction prizes.

Auction lots included a tour of ITV’s newly refurbished Gateshead studio, an Indian cooking lesson and a pamper day for up to ten people at Premiere Hair Salon, in Darlington.

A day’s sailing on Ullswater, in the Lake District, and a beekeeping experience were also up for grabs, as well as a two-hour tattoo session at Acero Arte, in Darlington, which was won by MP Jenny Chapman.

Opening the event, the charity’s chief executive officer Neeraj Sharma said: “Last year we worked within the community dealing with over £8 million worth of debt and assisting clients to ascertain over £4 million worth of unclaimed benefits.

"Money that otherwise would not have been spent in local shops and businesses.

“We are a vital service for those who find themselves in a crisis with nowhere else to turn and it is of the upmost importance that Darlington does not lose the service we provide.

“I must thank everyone who has made this night possible, from the businesses, organisations and individuals who have donated gifts to the volunteers and staff who have put this brilliant night together.”

For more information visit darlingtoncab.co.uk