CHIGWELL Riding Trust for Special Needs raised nearly £20,000 with its first ever charity ball on Saturday.

The trust, which provides supervised horseriding lessons to people with disabilities, held the Star Wars-themed gala evening at the Metropolitan Police Club in Chigwell and it was attended by more than 200 people.

The fundraising was given a boost by the auction of a lorry load of horse manure, which went for £500.

Guests were kept entertained with magicians and a poetry reading by James Lingfield, aged 10, who rides at the trust’s Grange Farm centre.

The trust’s manager, Deborah Hall, said: "This has been a wonderful first for the trust. We have never raised so much money in one event.

“The ball has introduced us to new friends and has been a chance for old friends and riders to get out in style."

Organiser Nicola Quilter, of Buckhurst Hill, said: "I was thrilled with the generosity of the guests. We all had a memorable evening and hope that this event will raise the profile of this very special local charity.”