THOUSANDS of pounds was raised at a lavish ball in aid of the St Teresa's Hospice.

The event was held on Saturday night at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield.

The 21st anniversary event featured dancing, dining and cabaret with music provided by the Royal Northern College of Music Session Orchestra.

James Bond was the theme for the evening and a medley of Bond themes past and present was a highlight of the night, along with appearances by Sean Connery and 007's adversary Odd Job.