AN evening of fundraising fun went off with a light-hearted swing last Friday (Feb 12).

Blackpool Mayor Henry Mitchell held a Valentine Ball to make pots of money for the British Heart Foundation.

Held at, and sponsored by, Blackpool's plush newly-refurbished Imperial Hotel, the evening's events included Councillor Mitchell being auctioned off for charity, with the winning bid of £300 going to Andrew Jackson of Blackpool, who is set to join the Mayor for a civic day out later in the year.

More than 200 people attended and keeping it in the family was Master of Ceremonies and Mayor's son Andy, head of news at The Wave. Fylde comic Tom Bright and DJ Lionel Vinyl also went down a storm as did caricature balloon effigies of local celebrities.

Deputy Mayor Don Clapham, who was also present, said: "It was a super evening, the event of the year and very entertaining. Everybody had such a great time and at the end of the night the charity came out the winner. Local businesses have been tremendous with their support and the Imperial Hotel has been great in ensuring the evening went off in such fine style."

Councillor Mitchell chose the British Heart Foundation to benefit from his charity appeal because it was simply close to his heart. He explained: "Many of people I have known have received major heart surgery. We must not forget heart and circulatory diseases are still the biggest killer in the UK." More than £3,000 was raised on the night and profits will go to the foundation to fund the provision of cardiac nurses and to provide regional support groups for heart patients and their families together with many more voluntary schemes.

Carol Gemson, area organiser for the Lancashire branch of the Foundation, said: :"All the money will go into our general fund and be invested locally with equipment for Blackpool Victoria Hospital."

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