A CITY business group has raised more than £5,000 for Yorkshire children’s cancer charity Candlelighters in the past year.

York Trusted Professionals, a networking group for businesses in the city of York and the surrounding area, held their third annual ball at The Novotel, Fishergate and raised more than £4,700 for their chosen cause.

More than105 people turned out to the event which featured live music acts and a three-course meal; with money raised through ticket sales, a raffle and silent auction.

Added to the previous £700 raised by the sale of Candlelighters own raffle tickets in the weeks leading up to the event, the group has now raised over £5,400 for the charity in the last 12 months.

A phenomenal achievement for the group.

Candlelighters look after children with cancer and their families in the York area.

The funds were put to good use helping families over the festive period this year as well as providing some extra care.

Brian Curran, Candlelighters corporate fundraiser, said: "We have enjoyed a fantastic year as York Trusted Professionals chosen charity and are grateful for the support they have given us.

"The money will enable us to continue to support local children with cancer and their families.”

Ian Dawson, founder of York Trusted Professionals, said he is very pleased with the results of the 2017 charity ball.

He said: “The amount of money raised was fantastic.

“The whole evening was a great success and I want to thank Candlelighters, The Novotel, YO1 Radio and especially all of the York Trusted Professionals members who donated their time, raffle prizes and auction prizes to help us raise such a large amount of money.”

This year, Dougie Weake from YO1 Radio acted as compere for the evening.

For more information about Candlelighters, including how to volunteer, go to their website: www.candlelighters.org.uk

For more information on the work of York Trusted Professionals and how to join go to http://www.yorktrusted.com/