REVELLERS at the Acorns summer ball dug deep into their pockets and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

The Saturday night event was organised by Worcester Rugby Club at their Sixways headquarters and was supported by the Evening News.

Bidders pitted their wallets against each other to secure a string of auction lots generously donated by businesses across the two counties.

Dave Bradley, BBC Hereford & Worcester radio presenter, compered the evening and Pershore estate agent and auctioneer Richard Williams hosted the auction, which notched up over £4,000 for the charity.

Among the lots was an 1830s Royal Doulton charger, snapped up for £500, two tickets to an Aston Villa game went for £350 and £650 was bid for a 15-person box at Worcester Rugby Club.

Huge success

"The evening was a huge success and raised an enormous sum for Acorns," said Evening News editor Stewart Gilbert.

"We're really pleased that we have been able to help the charity and bring the hospice one step nearer to reality.

"We would just encourage people throughout the county to continue with their fund-raising efforts to make sure the Three Counties Appeal continues to grow. We were really pleased with the response and a good night was had by all."

Over 130 party-goers enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal before being entertained by the infectious music of the Official Receivers band.

The eight-piece line-up belted out 70s soul classics, including In The Midnight Hour and Mustang Sally at the glitzy ball.

"We're really pleased, everyone had such a good night and we've raised a lot of money.

People have been so generous," said Fran Winterbourn, community fund-raiser for the charity.

The cash will swell Acorns' Three Counties Appeal coffers to build a new hospice on a plot of land on the city's Bath Road, donated by June Sayce and her late husband Willie.

Work on the unit has already begun with planning permission being secured and the foundations having been laid. The hospice is due to open in 2004.