A MASQUERADE ball held in the grand surroundings of Eastnor Castle has boosted our Project Chrysalis fundraising appeal for a charity for disabled people by almost £17,000.

The event, which raised cash for Megan Baker House, took place last Thursday and will add to the pot of money raised as part of the campaign supported by the Worcester News and our sister paper, the Hereford Times.

So far, we've raised around £27,000 of our £35,000 target, to help enable the Leominster-based charity provide a year of conductive education for 10 children with motor disorders.

Lee Gough, from Megan Baker House, said: “Under the guidance of MC Bob Marley and our auctioneer Will Kerton from Knight Frank, we raised almost £17,000.

“It was an incredible evening in wonderful surroundings and with weather to match.”

A total of 140 people gathered for a sparkling reception followed by a three course dinner, an auction, raffle and finally dancing before a firework display rounded off the evening.

Lee added: “We could literally have danced all night. Sadly, bed beckoned and the happy bunch of revellers had to leave the magical surroundings of Eastnor Castle in the knowledge that they had helped MBH towards the target for the first stage of project chrysalis."

Our campaign can change the lives of 10 children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, Parkinson's disease, stroke and acquired brain injury.

Through conductive education, participants learn how to manage and deal with the difficulties caused by their condition to enable them to lead a more independent life.

Help us raise more money for this incredible charity by donating to our appeal.

To donate, text MEGB17 £2 (you can change the amount) to 70070. Visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/meganbakerhouse/projectchrysalis

Send a cheque to Megan Baker House, Moreton Eye, Leominster, HR6 0DP. Call 01568 616179 to arrange a BACS transfer.