77136-37A CHARITY ball has raised thousands of pounds for a host of Swindon charities.

This year's Evening Advertiser-backed ball was held at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday and attracted 160 guests.

Among them were business leaders and civic dignitaries who helped raise £20,000.

This total was matched by Nationwide, the event's main sponsor.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager for the building society, who chaired the committee for this year's event, said: "It went very well.

"There was a champagne reception and the Plate Armour Society re-enacted a fight to give the event a St George's Day theme.

"There was a real buzz and everyone had a lovely time. We were really pleased with the amount raised."

Swindon Scrapstore, The Open Door Centre, Swindon Therapy Centre, NSPCC, North Swindon Family Centre, Broadgreen Breakfast Club, Leaves, Druglink, Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project and Reach Inclusive Arts will all benefit from the event.

Since the ball, which is also supported by Swindon Rotary Club, was launched in 1989 it has raised more than £440,000 for local charities.

As well as the champagne reception, revellers enjoyed a five-course meal.