A GLITTERING ball raised more than £24,000 to help care for end of life patients.

More than 130 attendees turned out for the St Clare Spring Ball on March 10 at West Homes' Conference Centre in Takeley.

Backed by 13 local businesses, £24,000 was raised for the Hastingwood hospice, which provides specialist palliative care across West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

Guests tucked into a three course meal and enjoyed an evening of live music courtesy of Frisco Monk and Vintage Vibes.

Extra funds were raised through an online silent auction and live auction on the night, which boasted prizes including two golf holidays, a luxury hotel visit, afternoon tea and football tickets.

The money raised is enough to pay for almost three weeks of care from St Clare's community team.

Ball organiser and corporate partnerships manager, Amy Jacobs, said: “Our Spring Ball was such a wonderful celebration for our corporate partners. We really enjoyed the evening together and managed to raise a fantastic amount of money for the hospice!”

“I’d like to personally thank each and every person and local business who came along on the night and supported the event in other ways. It is with your dedicated support that we are able to continue delivering our excellent quality of specialist, palliative care for people in the local community. Your support makes such a difference.

"With particular thanks to our business steering group, organising committee and volunteers. The event wouldn’t have happened without you.”