A GLITSY "Black and Diamonds" gala fund raising evening with funnyman Phil Cool helped raise more than £9,000 for charity.

The event, sponsored by Burnley company, Pulse Audio Information &Technology, was held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.

More than 350 people gathered for the one-off event in support of Christie's Hospital and Paterson Cancer Research UK.

Lancashire's renowned 'stand-up chameleon', Phil Cool was on hand to help get fundraisers into the swing of the night.

The evening's events included a charity raffle, and the prizes were as glittering as the guests.

One lucky participant won a bathroom suite donated by Paul Capstick, Managing Director of UK Bathroom Warehouse, Burnley.

The guests were also treated to top Manchester groove band, "Pocket Central", and featured the talented, San Fransisco- based vocalist Zoe Ellis.

The evening raised more than £9,000 which will pay for a valuable piece of equipment for Christie's & Cancer Research UK.

Professor Nick Jones, Director of Paterson Cancer Research UK represented the two organisations and accepted the donations on their behalf.

He also accepted a donation of a Pulse Audio Information System worth £4,500 from the company's MD Steve Fairclough.

Mr Fairclough said: "This ground-breaking product delivers patient access to information into NHS waiting areas, and embraces the Government's NHS modernisation plan." The evening was a real success helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity."

Both Steve Fairclough and Sales Director Peter Laithwaite said the system is currently operating in numerous hospitals nationwide, and a roll out programme is currently under way to provide access to GP gurgeries under the Government's PFI initiatives.