A fundraising total from a charity ball last month rose to just over £7,000 before it was donated to a specialist hospital unit this week.

The Mid Summer Ball on June 20 was held at the Menzies Prince Regent Hotel in Chigwell.

With both silent and live auctions and a raffle, £7,003 was raised and it was presented on Tuesday (July 28) to Dr Ashraf Patel, who carries out advanced breast cancer clinical trials for the Princess Alexandra Hospital trust.

Organiser Jessica Heffernan said: “It was my first year in charge of this wonderful event and I am thrilled that we raised such a great sum of money for this very worthwhile charity which is run by Mr. Ashraf Patel.

“A great time was had by all who attended.

“Many thanks to the many shops and restaurants who donated raffle and auction prizes.”