MORE than £33,000 was raised to support young people with autism and their families at a charity ball.

The 10th annual lobster charity ball at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, County Durham, raised the money for Stockton-based charity Daisy Chain.

The black tie event, held organised by Ramside Estate, was attended by more than 900 people.

Kirsty Barnfather, events coordinator at Daisy Chain, said: “It costs around £100 to fund one month of activities for a child with autism.

“The support of companies like Ramside Estates, and the success of events including the lobster charity ball, is vital to ensuring we can continue to help families across the North East and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

Since its launch in 2006 the event has raised more than £250,000 for the region’s good causes, including £50,000 for Daisy Chain in 2013 and 2014.

This year’s event, compared by comedian Brendan Healy, featured live music from Jocelyn Brown, big band Musicians Unlimited and soul group Black and White.

John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel and Ramside Estates, said: “The atmosphere in the marquee was absolutely electric and I’m thrilled that we were able to boast the total amount raised for Daisy Chain to more than £83,000 over the past three years.”