WORCESTERSHIRE Ambassadors raised a terrific total of £55,000 at its annual ball with the money being donated to two county prostate cancer charities.

Now in its 13th year, the event took place at Tree Tops, in the West Midlands Safari Park, near Bewdley and was attended by 360 guests from among the local business community. Ball organizers Judy Owen and Tracey Hopkins created a format which included an Elvis impersonator, dancers, live band, impromptu classic motorbike drive-through and auction.

Ambassadors chairman Vince Hopkins said: “Everyone had a fantastic time and the funds raised blew us away. We are absolutely delighted to be able to make donations to the Rory the Robot campaign at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and to Worcestershire Prostate Testing. A massive thank you must be given to sponsors Praybourne, Sanlam, mfg, BRI and drp group and to the amazing Ivan Knezovich and his team at the Safari Park, whose support undoubtedly contributed to the success of the occasion.”

David Baxter-Smith of Worcestershire Prostate Testing added: “A lot of men don’t pay much attention to their health and avoid going to the doctors. Prostate cancer is an ever increasing illness, but if caught early enough the treatment available can be amazingly effective. The financial and practical support of the Worcestershire Ambassadors has helped us enormously to promote this issue.”

The success of the ball sits alongside the work the Ambassador organisation does throughout the year supporting numerous community projects, such as Young Enterprise, the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards, Asparafest and Pershore Plum Festival. This year it has supported community initiatives with endorsements, promotion and financially with combined donations of £10,000 across multiple projects.