PARTY-goers were dressed to kill at a glittering James Bond themed charity ball helping raise thousands of pounds for a local hospice.
Dazzling in diamonds, black tie and tuxedos, hundreds of guests joined Darlington Mayor Jan Taylor and her escort Chris Taylor to celebrate St Teresa’s Hospice’s 21st annual ball at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield.
Guests were treated to an evening of fine dining, dancing, and cabaret, with music provided by the Royal Northern College of Music Session Orchestra, followed by table games, amazing mind reading act Mind of Kennedy, a raffle and star auction.
A show-stopping event in the social calendar, the annual St Teresa’s Ball has raised in excess of £200,000 over the past two decades, to continue its pioneering work across Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire, and has featured a host of themes, from Showboat to heroes and villains and Las Vegas to Casablanca.
Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “This evening’s event exceeded all of our expectations in terms of the money we were able to raise and I must say a huge thank you to everyone who donated prizes and to our amazing guests on the night.
“The venue was absolutely superb and our staff went all out to bring 007 to South Durham for the night.
“Evenings like this are always a tremendous amount of fun but it would not be the success it undoubtedly is without the fantastic support we receive from our local community.”