POLICE are understood to be taking no further action over allegations a charity did not receive thousands of pounds raised at a ball in its honour.

The event, organised by city-based Allstar Speaking, took place in March 2017 at Worcestershire County Cricket ground’s Graeme Hick suite with local businesses attending and former football manager Ron Atkinson as guest speaker.

A source previously told the Worcester News that a “substantial figure” was raised on the night - claimed to be more than £2,000 - with people giving generously after being told the money raised would go to Cancer Research UK.

City firms donated raffle prices including Mazak, Home Experts and Spice Cuisine and the event included a raffle, and an auction including a signed Pele shirt.

But Cancer Research UK has said it had referred the matter to police after its own investigation, claiming it never received the money.

Jane Redman, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: "Cancer Research UK investigated these allegations and subsequently referred them to the police.

"The police decided to take no further action and we now regard the matter as closed.”

A leading city businesswoman who supported the event told us she made a donation to the raffle, and a cash donation after being contacted by Nick Peet from Allstar Speaking ahead of the event.

An Allstar Speaking spokesman has previously declined to comment when approached by The Worcester News.

The paper again attempted to contact the organisation after the latest update, but there was no response.