CHARITY supporters enjoyed an evening of glitz, glamour and giving at a show stopping gala spectacular ‘A Night at the Opera’.

More than 200 guests joined Darlington Mayor Veronica Copeland and her escort David Copeland for the 22nd annual St Teresa’s Hospice black tie ball, at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, raising a profit of more than £13,800 for the charity.

Guests enjoyed a four-course evening of fine dining and music provided by the Royal Northern College of Music Session Orchestra, followed by Australian husband and wife cabaret duo Imaginejack, who performed a set of operatic classics, music and comedy.

The event, which to date has raised in the region of £250,000, helps the hospice provide free care and support for residents of Darlington, South Durham and North-Yorkshire who are affected by life-limiting illness.

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “This is our biggest event of the year and also our most glamorous.

“I am absolutely thrilled by the incredible support we have had from local businesses, everyone who has donated prizes and our amazing guests, including our main sponsor for this evening Charles Clinkard.

“Our volunteers, staff and income generation team have done an incredible job organising the whole event once again and I must thank Barclays, Lloyds and RBS who have all helped by matching all funds raised this evening.”