A ‘Big Top’ themed ball, organised by St John’s Hospice, has raised more than £13,000 for the charity.

The fundraising evening at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, marked the organisation’s 30th anniversary and welcomed more than 150 guests from across the South Lakes.

Following a four course meal, an auction and raffle took place, with guests giving generously and all donations match funded by charity partners Yorkshire Bank and Barclays.

Among the prizes on offer were a three-day cruise on a luxury yacht; a two night break at luxury hotel, Holbeck Ghyll; a trip to London to watch Trooping of the Colour; a private dining experience for six people, courtesy of Karen Healy Outside Catering; lunch for two at the newly opened Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere and a £50 voucher for Ian Dutton’s newly opened Windermere restaurant, ‘The Pig’. The Balloon Star Prize Draw, sponsored by H. Hogarth Jewellers of Kendal, saw lucky winner Margaret Holmes take home a 0.5 carat diamond necklace.

Community fundraiser Jill Santamera said: “We are beyond delighted that the ‘Big Top’ Ball has generated such a fantastic level of support and funds.

“The feedback we have received from guests has been wonderful and it was a night when the local community really came together – once again - to support St John’s Hospice. We are so very grateful to all those who supported us on the evening, those attending, those who have donated their time and the suppliers and local companies that gave so generously.”