A CHARITY staged a ball to mark World Mental Health Day.

And the event raised over £21,000 to enhance mental health services across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

The ball was organised by Better Lives, the charitable arm of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Hosts for the evening were sports journalist and TV presenter Tanya Arnold and former Bradford Bulls and New Zealand rugby league star Robbie Hunter Paul.

Robbie said: "Mental health is always very important and should never be overlooked.

"It is great to see the hard work that the Better Lives charity does in supporting the care trust.

"The ball was a great opportunity to promote the importance of mental health and share positivity with everyone. I was delighted to co-host the event alongside Tanya for an amazing charity."

Around 230 guests enjoyed food by My Lahore.

There was also a raffle and auction, entertainment from comedian Martin Gold and Punjabi Roots, and dancing.

The event, at the Walton View Hotel in Drighlington, was sponsored by Enable 2 and supported by a number of businesses.

Amongst the supporters was joinery and shopfitting firm P.E.C, whose managing director Sohan Panesar said: "It was a great evening, supporting a wonderful charity and providing an opportunity to recognise and talk about mental health.

"It was amazing to have so many businesses both sponsoring prizes and attending."

Catherine Jowitt, head of charity and volunteering at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, paid tribute to everyone who gave their backing.

She said: "A heartfelt thanks goes to all the guests, sponsors, corporate supporters and volunteers for their generous support, which made our event such a huge success."

The care trust provides a range of award-winning mental health, learning disability, community physical health and children’s services, to people living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Its mental health services include hospital-based care provision at Lynfield Mount, in Bradford, and Airedale Centre for Mental Health, in the grounds of Airedale Hospital at Steeton, as well as care in the community.

Better Lives aims to enhance the care provided by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust through charitable activity – by improving the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, patients, service users and their families.

It raises funds for provision over and above the core services offered.

For further information about the work of the charity and ways to support it, go to bdct.nhs.uk/better-lives-charity.