A PREMIERSHIP footballer helped to raise more than £800 for charity at an event to celebrate the refurbishment of a North Yorkshire store.

Manchester City and ex-England player Danny Mills, who also previously played for Middlesbrough FC, joined more than 200 guests at Ripon Interiors, in Ripon.

The mayors of Ripon and Harrogate also attended the party at the store, which bosses say has doubled its turnover since opening in 2001.

Store director Graeme Borchard said: "We were extremely pleased with the support we received for our rebirth fundraiser.

"Ripon has a bright future with dynamic regeneration projects, and we hope more businesses will invest to help develop the community and the amenities and attractions which the town has to offer."

Three charities will benefit from a raffle. They are the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Scuba Diving for All, which is based in Ripon, and Regain, a charity which offers support for people who become tetraplegic as a result of a sports injury.