ILKLEY Candlelighters has once again hosted its annual May Ball at the Rudding Park Hotel.

Over 375 guests attended the glittering event - many wearing masks in honour of the masquerade theme.

They were greeted with a champagne reception parted with some cash for tickets for the Top Hat Draw, where every ticket was guaranteed a prize donated in the main by local businesses.

In addition there was a raffle for a beautiful diamond bracelet generously donated by Jeremy Bloomfield Jewellers in Ilkley.

During the delicious four course dinner there were games with champagne prizes organised by MC Mr Jon Hammond.

The evening moved on to a more serious note when mum and committee member Tracy Cratchley spoke movingly about how her 12-year-old was diagnosed with cancer and their time on the children’s oncology ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

She highlighted the importance of all the extras provided by Candlelighters which make life easier.

Consultant Haematologist Dr Beki James then gave a heartfelt speech highlighting the fact that although huge strides have been made in the fight against children’s cancer and survival rates are continually rising, the battle is not over.

Children are still undergoing long arduous treatment and some are still succumbing to the disease.

She spoke about how grateful the LGI was for services Candlelighters provide. Kitchens for parents, overnight accommodation for families, counselling services for the whole family including bereavement counselling, play therapists, breaks away, facilities for teenagers, an outreach bus and so much more.

In addition money for vital ongoing research where Leeds is a world leader.

All the sort of extras the NHS cannot stretch to. Following dinner there was furious bidding by guests for a fabulous array of auction prizes, from a special Emmerdale experience, London House of Lords Trip with overnight accommodation to a beautiful Lister Horsfall diamond pendant and Slingsby Gin Experience.

Once again all prizes are generously donated by a variety of businesses both local and countrywide.

All are acknowledged on Ilkley Candlelighters’ website throughout the year. After dinner Vibetown kept the dance floor packed while guests seeking alternative entertainment could go to the casino kindly provided by Wetherby and Wharfedale Rotary or to the Games room provided by AR Entertainments.

A spokesperson said: “The Ilkley Candlelighters Committee would like to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support over the years which make this such a successful event.

“An enormous £39,000 was raised on the night at the last count and that is after all costs have been met.

“For further information or to register interest for next year’s Ball as a sponsor, prize giver, to register an interest in a table, or to make a donation or volunteer as a Committee member, visit www.ilkleycandlelighters.org.uk”

All photographs: @2018 Paul Harness www.paulharness.com